While the early cherry crop coming from rainy California has been a bust this year, Northwest growers are looking at a promising season. Bring on the Bings!
It’s cherry seasonPeak season should continue through late July. Demand for cherries exceeds supply right now, with Japan sweeping up most of the cherries at prices few Americans would consider paying.
While Lamberts, Rainiers and sour cherries are easily found on the mainland, Bings are what you'll find at most island markets. Bings are mahogany-colored at the peak of ripeness. Look for bright or dark red cherries that are shiny and plump, with firm stems. Avoid fruit that is shriveled or has soft or brown spots.
To store cherries, wrap loosely in paper towels and place in a plastic bag, unwashed. Refrigerate up to 3 days.
During their fleeting season, it's hard to beat fresh cherries eaten right off the stem. But for a little variety, here are a couple of other fast ideas:
Frozen cherry treats: Freeze pitted sweet cherries on cookie sheets, then pack in freezer bags. Eat out of hand as a quick sweet snack or drop into iced tea, lemonade, seltzer or white wine.
Cherries are $1.39 a pound (with club card) at Safeway, $1.47 a pound (with Maika'i card) at Foodland and Sack N Save and $1.59 a pound at Star.
Other good buys this week: island watermelon at 29 cents a pound at Safeway and 27 a pound at Times; cabbage at 49 cents a pound at Star, 59 cents at Times; and sugar snap peas at $1.99 at Foodland and Sack N Save and $1.89 at Star.
Staff and wire reports
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