Tart cherries

In season in SW Michigan

In season

Months from the MSU Extension seasonal availability guide. Weather shifts dates a little each year.

Key nutrients

%DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4+. Values are USDA lab averages scaled to the serving; your harvest may differ.

Wellness

A cup of pitted raw tart cherries has about 78 calories, 0.16 mg of copper (18% DV) and 16 mg of vitamin C (17% DV). That makes it a good source of copper and vitamin C. (USDA) The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says the body uses copper to make energy, connective tissues and blood vessels. (NIH ODS) NIH ODS also says the body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which helps wounds heal, and that vitamin C improves absorption of iron from plant foods and helps the immune system work properly. (NIH ODS)

Pick, store and use

• Pick

  Choose cherries that aren't bruised or damaged. (MSU Extension)

• Store

  Refrigerate at 41°F or below. Wash under cool running water, with no soap. (MSU Extension)

• Freeze

  Freeze them pitted or whole. If you pit them and pack in syrup, MSU suggests adding ½ teaspoon of ascorbic acid per quart of syrup to keep the color. (MSU Extension)

Where to get it nearby

• Jollay OrchardsColoma · Berrien Co. U-pick
• Lehman's OrchardNiles · Berrien Co. U-pick
• Lemon Creek Fruit Farms & WineryBerrien Springs · Berrien Co. U-pick
• Orchard Beach FarmQuincy · Branch Co. U-pick
• Overhiser OrchardsSouth Haven · Allegan Co. U-pick
• Prillwitz Fruit FarmEau Claire · Berrien Co. U-pick

See all 12 farms with cherries →

Farms whose listing mentions tart cherries or just “cherries”; ask which kind they grow. Check with the farm before you go.