What Do Bing Cherries Taste Like?

With summertime come summer fruits: peaches and nectarines, watermelon, mangoes, pineapples, and berries of all kinds are all in season during the summer months. But there’s one more you shouldn’t forget – Bing Cherries!

Fresh Cherries are a Summertime Treat

Most of us become familiar with cherry flavors from childhood, but a surprising number of people have seldom if ever enjoyed the taste of fresh, in-season cherries. This is likely because cherry season is so short – by July, sweet mountain Bing cherries are hard to get, and by August they’re gone for another year.

Sweet Cherries vs. Tart Cherries

Like peaches, nectarines, and mangoes, cherries are a “drupe” or stone fruit. This means the fruit’s seed is encased in a hard pit surrounded by edible flesh. Drupes are commonly in season in the summer. All cherries are drupes, but there are two main types of cherry: sweet and tart. They look similar but taste very different and are grown in different parts of the United States. Bright-red tart cherries are mostly grown in the Midwest. Dark-red sweet cherries (like the Bing Cherry) are grown primarily in the Pacific Northwest, including parts of northern California and Idaho. It is because of this that sweet cherries are also commonly known as “Idaho cherries” or “northern cherries.” Sweet cherries have more naturally occurring sugars in them than tart cherries, which makes them ideal for snacking on fresh out of hand.

What do Bing Cherries Taste Like?

There are many different varieties of sweet cherry, but Bing Cherries are our favorites at Pittman & Davis. Unlike tart cherries (which are the varieties people generally use in baking), sweet Bing Cherries are perfect for eating fresh out of hand thanks to their sweet-tart, subtly fruity flavor that boasts a bright and tangy aftertaste. Easy to snack on, fresh Bing Cherries from Pittman & Davis are plump, juicy, and firm with dark red flesh and a crisp “bite” that makes them utterly delectable.

Are Bing Cherries Good for You?

Athletes and arthritis sufferers are often familiar with the anti-inflammatory benefits of tart cherries (drinking their concentrated juice has proven beneficial for pain relief and muscle recovery), but don’t discount the health benefits of sweet Bing Cherries! Bing Cherries are full of antioxidants that are great for your skin and are a strong source of fiber. Additionally, Bing Cherries are rich in vitamin A, which keeps your organs functioning, and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation and protects cells from damage by free radical damage.

Bing Cherries also contain calcium (which protects bones and teeth) and potassium (which balances fluid levels within the body). Sweet, satisfying Bing Cherries are a wonderful alternative to treats containing processed sugars because they’re only 90 calories per one-cup serving, while their high levels of fiber help you stay satisfied (as well as regulating your digestive system).

Finally, if you’re having trouble sleeping, a serving of Bing Cherries may help because they contain melatonin, a natural substance that helps regulate sleep patterns.

How to Use Bing Cherries

Whole, unwashed Bing cherries will keep 5 to 7 days when stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. The fruits are harvested when ripe, and they do not continue to ripen off the tree. Bing cherries can also be frozen or canned for extended use. This means that, in addition to enjoying fresh out of hang, the sweet-tart flavor of Bing Cherries is well suited to cooking, canning, freezing, or simmered into jams, syrups, preserves, and compotes. For a romantic dessert, dip them whole in dark chocolate, or remove the pits, cut them in half, and scatter them over your cereal, yogurt, waffles or pancakes, ice cream, or in green or fruit salads.

Bing Cherries can also be blended into smoothies or used in sparkling beverages, cocktails, or sangria. In addition to incorporating Bing Cherries into sweet recipes (anything from sweet breads and cobblers to cakes and pies), they also work well with savory dishes. Sauces made with Bing Cherries pair well with roasted meats (particularly pork and poultry), while the whole, pitted fruits can be used in stuffings.

Where Can You Find the Best Bing Cherries?

Bing Cherries found in grocery stores have nothing on Pittman & Davis Bing Cherries! We harvest them at their peak of ripeness, carefully inspect them, and rush them right to your or your gift recipients so you can enjoy them at their best. Once you’ve tasted Bing Cherries from Pittman & Davis, no others will do – take advantage of the season while it lasts and place your Bing Cherries order while you can!