Southwest Michigan Cherry U-Pick Orchards in !

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Cherry U-Pick Orchards in Southwest Michigan in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for cherries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have cherries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather. See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Allegan County

A.W. Overhiser Orchards - cherries (sweet and tart), peaches, pears, plums, apples
NW corner of 64th Street and 109th Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090. Phone: 616-836-3298. Email: awo@i2k.com. Open: July through October, daily, from 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. I-196 to Exit 26 (109th Avenue Pullman Rd.) E 3.5 mi. to 64th St, right on NW corner. Family owned and operated for over 150 years raising tree fruit. Over 300 acres of farmland that include cherries (sweet and tart) and we do the pitting for you. School groups are welcome to visit the farm in fall. Apple picking, hay rides, pumpkin picking and cider tasting make for a fun packed trip to the farm. Farm Market address is 6405-109th Ave., South Haven, MI 49090. (UPDATED: September 19, 2019, JBS)
Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2011: "We spent the day at Overhiser Orchards picking cherries. The orchards are large and beautiful, the fruit is delicious and the staff is very friendly and knowledgable( they even stayed late on a Saturday evening so we could keep picking.) It is also the least expensive orchard we've encountered so far. Great experience, we will definitely be going back for peaches and plums. "
Dutch Farm Market - apples, cherries, peaches, plums,
6967 109th Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090. Phone: 616-637-8334. Email: braak@shps.org. Open: mid-May - July 4, 9 am to 6 pm July 5-Labor Day, 8 am to 7 pm Labor Day-October 31, 9 am to 6 pm, seven days a week. Click here for a map and directions. . or use their contact page. U-pick. Retail market/bakery complete with already-picked fruits and vegetables. Ice cream, baked goods, pies, jams and jellies. Picnic area. Buses welcome Click here for harvest datesN of South Haven on I-96, Exit 26 (Pullman Rd.) is a family run farm/business specializing in homegrown fruits and vegetables. Fruit pies and bakery items are another specialty of the market. Easy on/off highway access, picnic area, and public restrooms available. Ice cream shop available along with Dutch treats. ((UPDATED: September 19, 2019, JBS)

Berrien County

Fruit Acres Farm Market and U-Pick - Apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides
2789 Friday Road, Coloma, MI 49038. Phone: (269) 468-5076. Email: fruitacres@iserv.net. Open: Farm Market is open daily from 9am to 7pm, June through October; U-Pick is open most weekends July through October from 10am to 5pm. Directions: I-94 in Southwest Michigan at Coloma Exit #39 Farm Market at Exit. Ask there for U-Pick Directions . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Click here for a map to our farm. Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October. Big Black Sweet Cherries July 1-10 Sour Pie Cherries July 7-16 Early Peaches July 23-31 Freestone Peaches August 1-September 15 White Flesh Peaches August 20-September 10 Baby Gold type Cling Peaches August Early Apples July 20-August 30 Fall Apples September 1-October 25 Large assortment of locally grown fruits and vegetables in our farm market. Sweet Fall Apple Cider.
Jollay Orchards Family Fun Farm - u-pick cherries, apricots, raspberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins, hayrides
1850 Friday Road, Coloma, MI 49038. Phone: 616-468-3075. Email: info@jollayorchards.com. Open: May 1-Thanksgiving, daily, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm Harvest Festival weekends in September and October, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Directions: Exit 39 off I-94, turn left and go 2 miles to 1850 Friday Road, Coloma. . Click here for a map and directions.
Jollay Orchards Family Fun Farm Facebook page. . Fresh market with bakery, jams and jellies, other specialty items. Picnic area, animal farm and playground for fun activities. Fall Harvest Festival offers hayrides, children's activities and pumpkin patch(UPDATED: February 26, 2019, JBS) Experience the fun at Jollay Orchards, play in the old western town, amaze in the corn maze and fright in the haunted house, throw a line into the fishing pond and hike around the orchards.
Lehmans Orchard - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blueberries, cherries, red currants, black currants, raspberries (red), raspberries (black), strawberries, Nectarines, Blueberries, Blackberries, Plums, Peaches, Tomatoes, Peppers, Pears, Sweet Cherries, Tart Cherries, Gooseberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food
2280 Portage Road, Niles, MI 49120. Phone: 269-683-9078. Email: stevelecklider@aol.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm, from late May through October; Off season hours open every day from 12 pm to 5 pm November, December, closed January, February, March then open in April and May. Directions: coming from Chicago, Take I80-90 Toll Road east to exit 72. Drive north on bypass 31 into Michigan, turn right on US12 and head east one mile. Turn right on Portage Road and head south one mile, the red farm house is on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
Lehmans Orchard Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 574-286-7815Fax: We use integrated pest management practicesPick your own tart cherry and blueberry starting around July 1; Please check website or phone for current pick your own information. Also visit our farm winery/cidery/farm stand during the season. We are always adding interesting products and crops(UPDATED: August 28, 2023, JBS)
Lemon Creek Fruit Farm - cherries, peaches, nectarines, raspberries, plums, apples and grapes
533 E Lemon Creek, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. Phone: 269-471-1321. Email: farm@lemoncreekwinery.com. Open: June to November, Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm Sunday from 12 to 6 pm. Directions: 6 miles E of Red Arrow Hwy. at Bridgman, 5 miles west of Berrien Springs on Lemon Creek Rd. U-pick available for cherries, peaches, nectarines, raspberries, plums, apples and grapes in season. . Click here for a map and directions. See this page for when fruits are typically available to pick. Free wine tasting, picnic area, festivals, Father's Day Festival, home wine makers welcome.
Nye's Apple Barn and Farms - apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, blackberries, raspberries
3151 Niles Avenue (m63), Saint Joseph, MI 49085. Phone: (269) 429-0596. Email: amthompson8@hotmail.com. Open: Please call ahead for dates; The season varies from year to year; Hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm Daily. Directions: Exit 27 from I-94. Coming from Chicago: Turn left, cross over bridge, market is on the right. From Detroit: Turn right, market is on the right. . Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: (269) 208-2344 Grape varieties: Fredonia, Niagara, Concord (all available at discount quantities). Apples are usually ready from September 27 to October 13, from 9:00-5:00 Michigan time.
Prillwitz Fruit Farm - apples, blueberries, sweet cherries, tart cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, apple cider and pumpkins.
7196 E. Main Street, Eau Claire, MI 49111. Phone: 269-461-6720. Open: Daily June through October call for hours. Directions: Located 1 mile outside Eau Claire on Main Street. Click here for a map and directions. Daily June through October (call for hours). Family owned and operated for over 60 years. True, authentic, down-home and refreshingly real. Grown and sold right on the farm, including sweet and tart cherries, peaches, plums (dunkelberg, damson and stanley prune), blueberries, grapes, apples, cider and pumpkins. U-Pick or already picked available. . 11 miles from the I-94 Exit or 11 miles north of Niles. (ADDED: June 30, 2016, JBS)
Sommerfeldf Farms - sweet cherries, tomatoes, peppers, pickles, cucumbers, pumpkins, winter squash.
1091093 S Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Phone: 616-926-6959. Open: late June-Oct, daily noon-6pm. Directions: From the S take I-94 E to Napier Avenue, Exit. Go right to Benton Center Road, 2nd house on the right. . Click here for a map and directions.
Sommerfeldf Farms Facebook page. Fresh fruits and veggies of all kinds. Sommerfeldt Farms is a family run farm with a wide variety of farm fresh produce of the highest quality. We specialize in sweet corn, watermelons, tomatoes, and cantaloupe. We also have large fall - pumpkins and winter squash. "Our policy is if you aren't happy we will replace it." Best sweet corn around. Shaded areas to relax. Melons are a specialty of ours, u-pick sweet cherries, some craft items, flowers. facebook page.
Stover's Farm Market and U-Pic - Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, apricots, red and black blackberries, grapes, and hayrides
7837 M-139, Berrien Springs, MI . Phone: 269-471-1401. Open: 9 am to 6 pm everyday except Sundays; Early June to late October. Click here for a map and directions.
Stover's Farm Market and U-Pic Facebook page. U-Pic Schedule: Dates are TENATIVE, please call for availability! Strawberries: June - July; Sweet Cherries June - July; Tart Cherries: June - July; Red and Black Raspberries: June - July; Blackberries: July - August; Apricots July - August; Blueberries: July - August; Peaches July - September; (Red Haven, Crest Haven, Glo Haven, Baby Gold, Red Skins); Fall Red Raspberries: September - October; Pumpkins: September - October; Grapes September - October; Apples September - October; (Molly Delicious, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Red Rome, Empire, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonathan, Mutsu and others). Stovers has hayrides in October(UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS)
Twin Maple Orchards - apples, plums, sweet and tart cherries
15352 Cleveland Avenue, Galien, MI . Phone: 269-545-8840. Email: twinmaple@earthlink.net. Open: Farm 9 am - 6 pm Eastern Time; U-Pick 9 am - 5:30 pm Eastern Time. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 269-545-4069. Fresh vegetables, pumpkins, cider, grapes, u-pick apples and more.We are a "Farm Market" U-pick with apples, plums, and vegetables. We grow Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, McIntosh, Red Cortland, Empire, Granny Smith, Ida Red, Jonafree, Mutsu, Macoun, Red Mac's, Paula Red, Connel Red, Winesap, Gala, Transparent, Greening, Jonagold, Jonagored, Honeycrisp, Early Mac's, Luster El Star, Red Romes, etc. (UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS)

Branch County

Orchard Beach Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, cherries, pears, porta-potties
122 Loch Haven Lane, Quincy, MI 49082. Phone: (517) 639-4609. Email: muirph@gmail.com. Open: During fruit season: Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: From I-69 Exit 13 Coldwater Mi: each on US-12 2 miles to Fremont Road then south $right$ 3 miles to Cornell Road then east $left$ 12 mile to Fisher Road then southeast 14 mile past Brocklebank Road to Loch Haven Lane - our orchard entrance. Follow signs to our barn to check in for u-picking or to buy already picked fruit. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. From I-69 Exit 13 Coldwater Mi: each on US-12 2 miles to Fremont Road then south (right) 3 miles to Cornell Road then east (left) 1/2 mile to Fisher Road then southeast 1/4 mile past Brocklebank Road to Loch Haven Lane - our orchard entrance. Follow signs to our barn to check in for u-picking or to buy already picked fruitCherries - June 20 to July 3 Pears - August 20 to September 10;Apples are available: September 7 - November 1. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsThis is an historic, family-owned farm and orchard operated since 1929. We have heritage apple varieties only: Northern Spy, Grimes Golden, Steel Red, McIntosh, Jonathan, Wealthy, Red Delicious, etc. We have Bartlett and Spartlett pears and Montmorency (tart) cherries. (UPDATED: September 01, 2018) (UPDATED: July 03, 2018)

Kalamazoo County

Husted's Farm Market and Cider Mill - apples, cherries, flowers, pumpkins, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area
9191 West Main, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Phone: 269-372-2605. Email: scotthusted@charter.net. Open: 9-6 Daily June through October; 10-5 Daily in November. Directions: Kalamazoo exit 38-b off of us 131 go 3.5 miles west to farm market 9191 west main Kalamazoo Mi. 49009. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
Husted's Farm Market and Cider Mill Facebook page. Click here for picking updatesCrops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October, NovemberWe have 23 apple varieties including Honeycrisp and Sweetango ,Sweet and Tart cherries. U-PICK apples start around September 1st
Verhage Farms - apples, cherries, peaches, hayrides, pumpkins
8619 W M L Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49065. Phone: 616-375-0153. Open: for approximately 8 weeks, September 5-Nov. Click here for a map and directions. . We have: u-pick apples, already picked apples, homemade cider (non-pasteurized), homemade donuts (12 varieties), homemade caramel apples (5 varieties), Country Store - homemade jams, hayrides, pumpkin jump, animal barn, school tours and picnic area. We are open 5, 10 am to 6 pmIn Kalamazoo, go W on Stadium Dr. to 6th Street (turn right). Go to the end of 6th and turn left on "ML", go over railroad tracks, 1/2 mile on left to 8619 West "ML" Avenue

Van Buren County

Apple a Day Farm - sweet cherries and apples
53392 38th Avenue, Bangor, MI . Phone: 616-674-7127. Email: appleadayfarm17@yahoo.com. Open: for cherries June-July, Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Apple a Day Farm. Phone: U-pick and picked . We have McIntosh, Red and Yellow Delicious, Spy, Jonathons, Winter Bananas, Romes and Ida Red. Granny Smiths available in late Oct. We have Ranier and black sweet cherries. We ship apples - gift box or baskets. Apples, Sept.-October, Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm Sundayfrom 12 pm to 6 pm Call for more informationFrom I-94, Exit 52, straight N through Lawrence 6 miles to 38th Avenue, Left to 53382 38th Avenue, From M-43, E of Bangor, CR 215 (blinker), S 2 miles to 38th Avenue Left on 38th Avenue to 53382 38th Avenue. (UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS)
Bernell Farms - apples, cherries,
42601 County Road 673, Lawrence, MI 49064. Phone: 269-674-3517. Email: tammyjoburnell@yahoo.com. Open: Varies depending on season; Please call. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October (UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS)
Cleveland Farms - sweet cherries, plums and apples
County Road 380, Bloomingdale, MI . Phone: 616-521-4079. Open: 8:00 AM. Directions: Located 20 miles West of Kalamazoo on M-43 to Glendale. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick sweet cherries. At Glendale, turn North on County Road, 665, go 3 miles to County Road 380, then West. First place on County Road 380 is . U-pick sweet cherries starting mid-June. U-pick plums and apples starting late August. Deer apples thru November 10m. till dark.
Schem Lane Orchards and Farm Market - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, cherries, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
28110 County Road 215, Bangor, MI 49013. Phone: 269-906-0816. Email: nitchfitters@peoplepc.com. Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am to 6:30pm Saturday 9:30am to 5 pm Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm. Directions: We are located 14 mile off of M-43 on County Road 215. approximately 1 mile East of Bangor, Michigan. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. We are located 1/4 mile off of M-43 on County Road 215. approximately 1 mile East of Bangor, MichiganWe use integrated pest management practicesWe make unpasturized fresh Cider weekly with our 125 year old manual press.
Comments from a visitor on September 10, 2012: I called the phone number on the listing. The gentleman who answered said he sold the farm last year and that his crop froze out this year. I am unsure whether he still will have a u-pick next year or if he is closed for business all together. "
Schultz Fruitridge Farms, Inc. - apples, blueberries, cherries, peaches, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available, picnic area, school tours
60139 County Road 652, Mattawan, MI 49071. Phone: 269-668-3724. Email: info@schultzfruitridgefarm.com. Open: Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 9 am to 6 Sunday 10 am to 5 U - pick is finished 12 hour before closing Call for holiday Hours: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Alternate Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 9 am to 6 Sunday 10 am to 5 U - pick is finished 1/2 hour before closing Call for holiday Hours: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day
Understory Farm and Orchard - Certified Organic, blueberries, apples, cherries, apple cider mill,
28120 County Road 215, Bangor, MI 49013. Phone: (810) 701-6522. Email: understoryfarm@gmail.com. Open: blueberries in July, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Click here for a map and directions. Understory is a 20 Acre Farm and Orchard, producing gourmet mushrooms, heirloom and specialty vegetables, apples, blueberries, Montmorency cherries, and apple cider on our 25 bushel cider mill.Our fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms are all grown using natural methods and the farm is now Certified Organic through the USDA and MOFA. We are passionate about growing great food in a way that is sustainable and healthy for our farm, ourselves, and our community. Our cider is made in the traditional way on a press that has been in use for over 100 years. We offer an increasingly rare view of our history with the apple in Michigan, using fruit that is grown without the use of synthetic materials and a press that is still cranked by hand. We are proud to be a part of the time-honored tradition of cider-makers in Michigan and strive to carry that torch by continuing to make a simply delicious product, free of preservatives or chemicals.

Cherry

Cherry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Cherry picking tips If you are about to pick cherries either directly from a tree, or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best cherries.

Cherries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Types of Cherries

There are two types of cherries: sweet cherries and sour cherries (also called tart or pie cherries). The difference is simple:

Sweet cherries taste sweeter and are eaten fresh.
Pie cherries are very tart and most people prefer to use them in pies, jams, preserves, jellies and butters, adding sugar to sweeten them.

See further down this page for a list of common cherry varieties and their uses. Washington State, California and Oregon are the primary sweet cherry growing states; they produce almost 90 percent the U.S.'s cherry crop. Michigan produces about 74 percent of tart cherry production. We have a master table of cherry varieties, sweet and sour (pie) in the order in which they ripen.

Cherry picking tips

Pick ripe: Cherries, like peaches, continue to increase in size until they are ripe. They should be picked when they are of maximum size and full-flavored.
But not under-ripe: Cherries picked before they are fully mature will not ripen off the tree.
And not over-ripe: when they become soft, mushy or discolored.
Pie or sweet: There are 2 main types of cherries: sweet cherries that taste sweet and tart when you eat them fresh, and sour (also called pie cherries) which are too tart for most people to want to eat fresh.
For all varieties of sweet cherries, the darker the cherry is the sweeter it will be. If you like more sour cherries the lighter red and less ripe, the more tart it will be.
Stem separation: Sweet cherries become firm when ripe (the stems usually stay attached when you pick a sweet cherry), and sour cherries part easily from the stem.
Leave the stems on sweet cherries: Cherries that are to be shipped will keep longer if the stems are left attached. They will store in the refrigerator for two to three days.
Appearance: Look for heavy, firm cherries with a shiny skin and fresh stem.
But for immediate use, they can be picked with or without the stems.

How to pick the cherries from the tree

Gently grasp the berry with your fingers and thumb, and
tug gently.
If it is ripe, it will easily come off in your hand, with the stem attached.
Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 cherries.
Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the cherries down.

General Picking Tips

cherries

Whether you pick Cherries from your own trees, a market or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden cherries ready for harvest.
Avoid placing the picked cherries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat.
Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Cherries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days, depending upon the initial quality of the berry.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
Get there early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
Bring containers - Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Cherries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Cherries more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower cherries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
Drinks and snacks - Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

When you get home

DON'T wash the cherries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
Chill: Cherries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as immediately as possible after purchase. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze cherries! (Fresh cherries are highly prone to freeze damage).
Spread out: Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting cherries
Eat or freeze: Even under ideal conditions cherries will only keep for a few days in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
Now, get ready to make Cherry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy or cherry pie filling

Cherry Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

Cherry varieties

For a master table of cherry varieties in the order in which they ripen, click here.

Sweet cherries:

Bing cherries are deep red in color and sweet.
Blackgold - very late mid-season. Good for eating fresh. Self-fertile.
Brooks - a large, firm red cherry that tolerates hot climates. Sweet with both complex flavors and a sweet tart blackberry-like taste.
Chelan - deep, mahogany red, heart-shaped, medium sized, sweet fruits, like Bing. Sweet, between 16 and 18 % sugar.
Coral Champagne - very large, red, super sweet fruit that is often preferred to Bing. Firm, but juicy flesh with a coral pink color center.
Emperor Francis are White or Blush Sweet Cherries, Early season, perfect for canning, making jellies and jams, or making homemade maraschinos.
Hartland, an early season dark cherry. A Windsor cross, it was developed in New York
Hedelfingen is a later season sweet cherry. It has large, black fruit.
Kristin cherries are a a mid-season cherry developed in New York.
Lambert Cherry is a large, black, late harvest cherry of very good quality, compared to Bing.
Lapins Cherry is a self-fruitful, large, dark red sweet cherry from Canada with firm, good flavor. Ripens a few days after Bing and needs only 400 chilling hours or less to produce fruit.
Orondo Ruby - A ruby red color with some gold coloring, this is a sweeter, brighter variant of the Rainier cherry. Marcus Griggs of G&C farms found this in his Rainier cherry orchard. They have a brighter red color to them and a sweeter and a bit more acidic.
Rainier cherries are golden yellow with a pink or red blush. Rainier cherries are large and sweet.
Royalton cherries are large, dark cherry mid-season cherries
Sam - early ripening, large, black sweet cherry. Ripens 11 days after Vista.
Skeena cherries are a late ripening variety. They are dark red, firm and juicy.
Somerset cherries are medium sized, later season cherries that are dark and firm.
Sonata - Very large, black, and moderately sweet fruit. Self-fertile.
Staccato cherries are a deep purple-red and also a late season variety. Staccato cherries are large and one of the sweetest varieties.
Stella are a large, sweet, dark-red fruit that ripens in mid-season
Sweetheart cherries are a large, bright red late-season variety, medium sweetness
Sunburst - large, firm fruit. Old productive variety. Self-fertile.
Symphony - bright red, medium-sweet very large fruit. Late season. Self-fertile.
Tehranivee - mid-season cherry developed in Ontario, Canada. Cracking can be a problem. Self-fertile.
Ulster - medium-sized, firm, dark cherry, Ripens about 2 days after Vista.
Vandalay - Large, red fruit with an unusual kidney shape. From Canada. Self-fertile.
Viscount - medium-large, firm, good, dark red cherries. Late season ripening.
Vista - the cherries are very dark, almost black. Large excellent-quality fruit. Mid season, ripens around the last week in June.
Viva - dark red, 3/4 inch fruit from Canada. Ripens around July 4.
White Gold are a blush cherry of moderate to large size.

Pie, Sour or Tart Cherries (all different names for the same thing!)

Balaton Ujfeherto Furtos is a Hungarian sour cherry with firm fruit that is suited to picking by hand and eating fresh. Red skin and flesh. Ripens about 7 to 10 days after Montmorency
Danube Erdi Botermo has dark red fruit with a unique sweet-tart flavor. Delicious eaten fresh or in baked goods. Ripens about 1 week before Montmorency.
Dark-juice-tarts has juice that is red rather than clear in color.
Jubileum - new, from Hungary. Very large with a dark red flesh. Sweet for a tart cherry, not quite as tart as Montmorency.
Meteor - Medium-sized fruit with an odd shaped pit. Ripen s3 to 7 days after Northstar.
Montmorency, the most commonly grown, traditional cherry for pies, baking and canning. Ripens around the last week of June to the first week of July.
Morello Sour Cherry is a late-ripening tart dark red to nearly black cherry used for cooking, and sometimes eaten fresh when fully ripe. Fruits in warm climates ( 500 hours or fewer chilling hours below 45 F) Self-fruitful. USDA
Northstar - Medium-sized, dark red fruit.
Surefire - A new late blooming variety from Cornell. Bright red, medium sized fruit.

Cherry Facts and Tips

Cherries come in many colors besides red: there are also dark red (almost black), yellow, blush (mixed) and gold cherries.
Cherries are a very healthy food; they are high Vitamin C and naturally have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. They are also a good source of ivitamin A, calcium, protein, and iron.
Cherries are an antioxidant-rich foods.
One cup of cherries is less than 90 calories and 3 grams of fiber.
One cup of cherries has 260 mg of potassium which plays a key role in muscle, heart, kidney, and nerve cell functions.
Cherries are high in fiber. Half to one pound of cherry fruit per day can provide twenty to thirty grams of fiber which is adequate for an adult daily nutrition requirement.
Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Cherries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
You can easily freeze cherries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The cherries will keep for many months frozen without air. See my How to freeze berries page
Anthocyanins in cherries are what give the fruit its red color and help protect the heart and surrounding tissues
Some research has found eating cherries to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and gout

2024 Southwest Michigan Cherry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!