How to Ripen Cherries After Picking at Home

(Source: mrak_hr/Canva)

Cherries are sweet and delicious, but they can be challenging to find fresh all year round. If you’ve ever picked cherries from a tree, you know that they don’t always ripen evenly. Some are ready to eat, while others are still hard and sour.

Here are how to ripen cherries after picking:

  • Leaving them on the countertops for up to two weeks
  • Using water baths
  • Using an oven
  • And several other ways.

For those of you who are looking to make cherry pies or cobblers, or want to enjoy fresh cherries in the wintertime or summertime, then don’t worry. Read on for tips and tricks on how to ripen cherries after picking them!

cherries
Cherry tree. Credit: canva

How to Tell if Cherries Are Ripe?

  1. Look for cherries about the size of a quarter. They will be ripe when they are about the size of a quarter.
  2. Choose ripe cherries that are deep in color. They will be the ripest and ready to eat.
  3. Squeeze the cherries gently to see how firm cherries are. If they’re ripe, you will feel them, and they won’t be squishy.
  4. See if the stems stay on when the fruit is picked. If it is sweet cherry, it will still have its stem attached after picking. But tart (sour) cherries will fall off their stem more easily.

When Do Cherries Ripen?

Most fruit can be classified as either climacteric or non-climacteric. Climacteric fruit continues to ripen after they are harvested. Nonclimacteric fruit do not. Cherries are considered non-climacteric fruits. So it is better to pick them when they are ready and ripe.

Cherries quickly become ripe once they are exposed to sunlight and warmth from the sun, so many people leave them on their countertops or other warm spots in the house for a few days before using them. However, it may take up to two weeks of sun exposure for cherry fruits to become ripe, so be patient!

Cherry picking (Source: yebeka/Canva

How to Ripen Cherries After Picking?

Do Cherries Continue to Ripen After Being Picked?

Once picked, cherries don’t ripen further. Wait until the fruits are plump, juicy, and fully colored before harvesting.

When you buy cherries at the stores, what you see in the store is what you will get at home, and all of these fruits should be stored in the fridge to keep them from going bad. 

What to Do with Unripe Cherries?

When cherries are picked early and refrigerated at cold temperatures for extended periods (over a week), they may not ripen properly. If you’re planning to eat your cherries or use them in cooking projects over several weeks, then it’s better if you store them in a refrigerator at about 32°F.

Unripe cherries can also be frozen, but they must be frozen within 3 to 4 months of harvest. Once thawed, they need to be kept in the freezer for 2 to 3 weeks before consumption.

Quick Cherry Ripening Methods

Red cherries in a white bowl (Source: Source: bondarillia/Canva)

If you don’t have two weeks of patience, then there are other ways that you can ripen your cherries quickly! You can place them in the sun for several hours until they become warm and ripe or put them into an oven at 100–200°F for a few hours.

#1 – Place on Tray or Bowl

  1. Remove cherries from the plastic bag, and place them on a paper towel or cookie sheet on a tray or a bowl.
  2. Carefully put or spread the cherries on a cookie sheet. Make sure they are not too close to each other.
  3. Place the cookie sheet in a cool place. The fruit should not be in direct sunlight.
  4. Let the cherries stay for two days. Then, you can evaluate what is happening.
  5. If the cherries have not reached your desired degree of ripeness, let them sit for another day before you eat them. Depending on how ripe they are when harvested, it may take two to three days to be the best.

#2 – Using Water Baths

Another way of ripening your cherries without sunlight is by submerging them into a water bath at room temperature for several hours or overnight.

The water should only be a few inches deep so that the cherries stay submerged in it. This will help increase their internal temperature as they absorb more heat from the surrounding environment, which can speed up their ripening process.

#3 – Using an Oven

  1. Put them into an oven at 100–200°F to speed up the process until they are ripe enough to eat.
  2. Test frequently by removing one cherry and gauging its softness.

#4 – Using Microwave

  1. Fill up two microwave-safe bowls with equal amounts of water.
  2. Place one cherry in each bowl and heat it in the microwave for about one minute.
  3. Once you’re done, test each cherry to see if it’s soft and ripe enough.
  4. Repeat this process until you get cherries that are ready to eat.

#5 – In a Paper Bag

  1. Remove the cherries from the plastic bag. Put them in a paper bag.
  2. Put a ripe banana in the paper bag with the cherries. The fruit will emit production of ethylene gas that will make other fruits ripen faster.
  3. Place the paper bag in a well-ventilated area that offers cool temperatures.
  4. Position the paper bag, so it is out of direct sunlight.
  5. Keep the bag on for two days. Check if your cherries are ready after that time.
  6. If the cherries haven’t gotten ripe yet, you should leave them in the bag for another day.

About

What is a Cherry?

how to ripen cherries at home
Credit: canva

Cherries are stone fruit (a.k.a drupes) that grow on trees and shrubs of the genus Prunus, including plums and apricots. Technically a cherry is any plant part, including seeds or leaves, that can be used to propagate new plants. Cherries are in the Rosaceae family of plants.

Cherries can be classified into two types: sweet and sour cherries. The sweet cherry tree is self-pollinating, or it requires only one pollen donor to reproduce fruit with its genes. Sweet cherries are usually eaten fresh and don’t require cooking for preservation (some exceptions include sweet cherry pies and jams).

The sour or tart cherries require cross-pollination with another different plant. These must be cooked to reduce the acidity for them to taste good. Sour cherries come from a different genus than sweet cherries, Prunus cerasus, whereas sweet ones are usually referred to as Prunus avium.

What are the Health Benefits of Cherry?

Nutritional Information

Cherries are considered juicy fruits. Raw sweet cherries are mostly water (82%). They are a few carbs (16%) and have some protein (1%) and fat (negligible). As a fruit, sweet cherries provide little vitamins and minerals. Only fiber and vitamin C are present in moderate amounts. Other vitamins are less than 10% of the Daily Value.

Compared to sweet cherries, raw sour cherries have 50% more vitamin C and 20 times more vitamin A.

Health Benefits

Cherries are a good source of antioxidants, and they can reduce inflammation.

One study found that tart cherry juice may benefit people with arthritis.

Benefits of Cherries:

  • reduce the risk for heart disease 
  • lower blood pressure 
  • prevent cancer by inhibiting metastasis (spread) of cancer cells 
  • boost energy

Health Risks

Cherry pits have a hard shell. Inside the cherry pit, there are cherry kernels. When you chew or break open these kernels, a chemical called amygdalin is released, making a toxic substance called hydrogen cyanide.

Cherries are safe to eat if their pits are kept whole and are not swallowed.

What Are Cherries Used for?

Cherries make for tasty desserts like cherry pie and cakes or main dishes like cobbler and salad; there’s even cherry juice and cherry tea! Delicious and healthy, dried cherries that you can eat as snacks!

Cherries are not only eaten for their delicious taste. They can also be used in ways other than cooking or eating fresh.

Flavor and Aroma – Sweet cherries have a sweet smell when ripe. Sour cherries have the odor of almond extract.

Preservation – Cherries may be canned as preserves, cherry jam, or pie cherries filling.

Medicinal – Sour cherries can make compresses or poultices to reduce inflammation and swelling. They are made into cough syrup, ointments, tonics, etc.

Taste-Testing Variations of Cherry Flavors:

  • wild black cherry (Prunus serotina)
  • chokecherry (P. virginiana)
  • black cherry (Prunus serotina var.
  • wild black cherry cultivars
Mix berries and vegetables in the fridge (Source: pixelshot/Canva)

How to Store Cherries?

Cherries are delicate fruit. The ripe fruit loses its taste when you leave them outside. So place them in the fridge as soon as possible!

Cherries also absorb water when you rinse them. So, wait until right before you’re about to eat or bake before you wash them. Keep cherries dry and cool by storing them between layers of paper towels. If that is too much work, try to keep them as cold as possible.

When you are ready to eat or use them for cooking or baking, wash the frozen cherries with cold water. Then they are prepared to be processed.

FAQs

When is the right time to pick cherries?

Cherries do not get any riper after they are picked. So you should only pick them when they are ripe.

Do cherries continue to ripen after being picked?

Cherries don’t ripen well when they are picked before they are ripe. This is because the cherry needs time to ripen on the tree.

Cherries are delicate. They will break easily and will not last long after they have been picked. If you want to store them, pack them loosely in one layer. Put them in the fridge, and eat them within a few days.

Are darker or lighter cherries sweeter?

Hundreds of types of sweet cherries exist. The most common one is called a Bing cherry. It is dark red and heart-shaped. Lighter-color sweet cherries such as Emperor Francis and Rainier are sometimes available at farmer’s markets. In general, the darker the cherry, the sweeter it is.

What is the best time to pick cherries?

In most areas, harvest for cherry trees starts in early June and ends in late July. The variety and where it is growing decides how long the harvest season cherries last.

Are unripe cherries safe to eat?

If you eat unripe cherries, you might get a stomach ache. Let the cherries ripen some more. If they are too hard or taste bad, don’t eat them.

See also: Trick to Ripen Avocado: Top 5 Tricks.

Related Topics

Will cherries ripen after they’ve been picked? (Q&A)

Yes, cherries can ripen after they’ve been picked. It’s important to remember that sour cherry varieties are not meant to be eaten fresh, so if you want sweet cherries, make sure you pick the right variety. The ripening process of cherries works best when they are stored in single layers at a cool temperature and with direct exposure to air.

It’s also possible to speed up the ripening process by placing a ripe banana or other stone fruit near the unripe cherries. This is because these fruits contain ethylene gas which helps trigger the ripening process. However, keep the fruit away from direct sunlight as this can cause them to over-ripen quickly and lose their peak flavor.

When it comes time for harvesting cherries, try to pick them when they are still slightly firm and then allow them to ripen at home in a well-ventilated area. You can also freeze or make jam out of your harvested cherries if you don’t plan on eating them fresh. Cherries have different seasons so make sure you pay attention to when your favorite variety is in season for maximum flavor!

How do you ripen unripe cherries? (Q&A)

Ripening unripe cherries can be a tricky process, but it is definitely possible. The key is to store them in a cool environment and keep them away from direct sunlight. You’ll also want to store the cherries in a single layer so they are exposed to air. This will help speed up the ripening process.

Another way of ripening unripe cherries is by placing ripe fruit (like bananas) near them. Ripe fruits produce ethylene gas which helps trigger the ripening process for other fruits too! Just make sure you don’t place them too close together as this can cause over-ripening.

Finally, if you don’t plan on eating the cherries fresh, you can always freeze or make jam out of your harvested cherries before their peak ripeness passes. It’s important to remember that sour cherry varieties are not meant to be eaten fresh and there are many different types of sweet cherry trees available depending on what season it is. By following these tips, you should be able to successfully ripen your unripe cherries at home!

Do cherries sweeten as they ripen? (Q&A)

Cherries are a delicious, sweet treat that many people enjoy. But do they actually sweeten as they ripen? The answer is yes!

The longer cherries stay on the tree, the sweeter they become. As they age, their flavor also changes and develops more complexity. For example, tart cherries can become sweeter as they ripen while sweet cherries can become even more flavorful. This makes harvesting cherries at the right time key to getting the best flavor.

It’s important to note that some cherry varieties will not sweeten any further once picked. So if you plan on picking cherries for eating fresh or freezing them for later, it’s best to wait until they reach peak sweetness. You can tell when your cherries are ripe by their firmness; when lightly pressed with your finger, a ripe cherry will give slightly but still hold its shape.

Overall, most cherry varieties will develop more sweetness and complexity as they ripen on the tree or in storage conditions like a well-ventilated area kept at cool temperatures. Whether you’re looking for tart or sweet flavors in your cherries, waiting until they are fully ripe is key to getting the most out of each harvest!

How long does it take for green cherries to ripen? (Q&A)

Ripening cherries can be a tricky process and the time it takes for green cherries to turn ripe can vary from one variety to another. Generally speaking, cherries take between two weeks and four weeks to ripen depending on the variety.

The ripening process starts as soon as the cherry is picked from the tree. To speed up this process, you can place unripe cherries in a single layer in a container with a lid or wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh while they continue to ripen at their own pace.

For even faster results, you can try adding a ripe banana or apple to the same container with your green cherries—the production of ethylene gas by these fruits will help speed up the ripening process! You can also set out your unripe cherries in direct sunlight for an hour or two, although too much sun exposure may cause them to dry out before reaching peak ripeness.

No matter how you choose to ripen your cherries, patience is key! The best way to ensure sweet and juicy fruit is by waiting until they are fully ripe before eating or freezing them for later use. Cherries are a stone fruit that continues to ripen once picked so give them time—your cherry jam or pies will thank you for it later!

How long does it take for cherries to go from green to red? (Q&A)

Ripening cherries can be a tricky process and the time it takes for cherries to go from green to red varies widely. Generally speaking, cherries take between two weeks and four weeks to ripen depending on the variety.

The ripening process starts as soon as the cherry is picked from the tree. To speed up this process, you can store unripe cherries in a single layer in a container with a lid or wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh while they continue to ripen at their own pace.

For even faster results, you can try adding a ripe banana or apple to the same container with your green cherries—the production of ethylene gas by these fruits will help speed up the ripening process! You can also set out your unripe cherries in direct sunlight for an hour or two, although too much sun exposure may cause them to dry out before reaching peak ripeness.

No matter how you choose to ripen your cherries, patience is key! The best way to ensure sweet and juicy fruit is by waiting until they are fully ripe before eating or freezing them for later use. Cherries are a stone fruit that continues to ripen once picked so give them time—your cherry jam or pies will thank you for it later!

Should cherries be refrigerated after picking? (Q&A)

Refrigerating cherries after picking is a great way to keep them fresh and help them ripen. Fresh cherries should be stored in the refrigerator, away from other fruits and vegetables, in order to maintain their quality. As soon as you pick your cherries, make sure to remove any stems and leaves before placing them in an airtight container or plastic bag.

It’s important that the container or bag is well-ventilated so moisture can escape and the cherries don’t become too warm. Cherries should not be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to hot temperatures; doing so will cause them to over-ripen quickly and may reduce their flavor. Make sure to store the cherries at cool temperatures (40-50 degrees Fahrenheit) for optimal results.

When it comes time to enjoy your fresh cherries, you can always leave them out at room temperature for a few hours so they reach peak ripeness before eating. If you’re planning on using your cherries in baking or preserving recipes, it’s best to select firm but ripe fruit since this will provide the best flavor and texture when cooked.

Whether you’re snacking on sweet cherry varieties or making jams with tart ones, refrigerating your freshly picked fruit will help preserve its quality until ready for use!

Can you use unripe cherries? (Q&A)

Unripe cherries are not ideal for eating directly off the tree, as they tend to be quite tart. However, they can still be put to use in recipes that call for sour or tart flavors. Unripe cherries can be used in a variety of dishes, such as cherry pies and cobblers, or even to make homemade jams and preserves.

If you’re looking to ripen your unripe cherries quickly, try placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and covering them with a ripe banana. The banana will produce ethylene gas, which helps speed up the ripening process. Once the cherries are ripe, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.

It’s important to note that some varieties of sour cherries may not ripen at all no matter how long you leave them out on the counter. If this happens, your best bet is to freeze them whole or turn them into jam or preserves so you can enjoy their flavor any time of year!

Whether you prefer sweet varieties of cherry trees or more tart types of stone fruit, knowing how to use unripe cherries can help ensure you don’t miss out on any deliciousness!

How long should you soak cherries? (Q&A)

Soaking cherries is one of the best ways to maximize their flavor and texture. This method works well for both sweet and tart cherries, but it’s important to know how long to soak them. Depending on the type of cherry, soaking times can range from a few minutes up to overnight.

For sweet cherries, a quick 10-15 minute soak in cold water does the trick! This helps moisten the flesh and makes them more tender for cooking or eating fresh. The same goes for tart cherries as well, but you may want to let them sit for longer — up to an hour or even overnight — if you’re making jams or preserves.

To ensure peak ripeness, spread your cherries out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once they’ve reached your desired level of sweetness, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.

It’s also worth mentioning that frozen cherries are just as delicious as fresh ones when it comes to making recipes like pies and cobblers! So if you miss out on cherry season or have too many ripe fruits on hand at once, freezing is always an option.

How can you tell if cherries are ripe? (Q&A)

Ripe cherries are one of the most delicious treats of summer, but knowing when to pick them can be tricky. Luckily, there are a few simple clues you can look for to tell if a cherry is ripe and ready to eat or still needs more time on the tree.

The easiest way to tell if a cherry is ripe is by color. Sweet cherries should be a deep, dark red while tart cherries will usually be more orange or yellow in hue. If you see any green on the fruit, it means they need more time on the tree before they’re ready to harvest.

Another good way to check for ripeness is by giving it a gentle squeeze – if it feels firm, it’s likely not quite ready yet! When ripe, sweet cherries should have some give, and tart cherries should feel slightly soft.

Finally, you can also take a whiff! Ripe sweet cherries will have an unmistakable scent that’s reminiscent of freshly baked cherry pie, while sour varieties may have a faint alcoholic aroma due to their production of ethylene gas. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to know when your cherries are at the peak of ripeness!

Are darker cherries riper? (Q&A)

Darker cherries are usually a good indication of ripeness, but it can also depend on the variety. Sweet cherries should be a deep, dark red color when they’re ripe while tart cherries will usually be more yellow or orange in hue. If you see any green on the fruit, it means they need more time on the tree before they’re ready to harvest.

A gentle squeeze can also help you determine whether a cherry is ripe. When ripe, sweet cherries should have some give, and tart cherries should feel slightly soft. Keep in mind that firmness does not necessarily mean unripe – for instance, some sour cherry varieties are always quite firm even when fully ripe!

Finally, take a whiff! Ripe sweet cherries will have an unmistakable scent that’s reminiscent of freshly baked cherry pie and sour varieties may have a faint alcoholic aroma due to their production of ethylene gas. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to know when your cherries are at the peak of ripeness!

How can you tell if a cherry is sweet or sour? (Q&A)

When it comes to determining if a cherry is sweet or sour, there are a few tell-tale signs. The color of the fruit is usually a good indicator – sweet cherries will be deep red in color while tart cherries are more yellow or orange. You can also take a gentle squeeze to determine ripeness; ripe sweet cherries should give slightly when pressed and tart cherries should be slightly soft.

Another way to tell if a cherry is sweet or sour is by the scent. Sweet varieties will have an unmistakable aroma that’s reminiscent of freshly baked cherry pie, while sour varieties may have a faint alcoholic smell due to their production of ethylene gas. Finally, you can look at where the cherries are growing – sweet varieties tend to grow on tall trees while sour varieties tend to grow on shorter ones.

So next time you’re out picking cherries, keep these tips in mind and you’ll always know whether you’ve got your hands on sweet or sour fruit! Whether you want them for snacking, baking, preserving, or anything else – with these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be sure to get the perfect cherry for whatever your heart desires!

Why are darker cherries sweeter? (Q&A)

Darker cherries tend to be sweeter than their lighter counterparts for a few reasons. The first is that darker cherries are usually riper, which means that the natural sugars in the fruit have had more time to develop. Darker cherries also tend to be less acidic, as acids break down over time and sweeten the taste of the fruit.

Another reason why darker cherries are sweeter is that they contain more antioxidants than those with a lighter color. These antioxidants protect the cherry from damage caused by exposure to light and heat, thus allowing it to stay on the tree longer and develop into a sweeter fruit.

Finally, darker-colored cherries often come from varieties of trees that are specifically bred for sweetness. These trees produce fruit with higher sugar content, making them not only appear darker but also taste much sweeter than other types of cherry trees. So if you’re looking for an extra sweet treat, go ahead and pick up some dark-colored cherries!

Why aren’t my cherries turning red? (Q&A)

If your cherries aren’t turning red, don’t worry – it’s normal! Cherries can take some time to ripen and may not turn red right away. There are several factors that can affect how quickly they ripen, such as the variety of cherries, temperature, and how long they have been off the tree.

The most common cherry varieties are sweet cherries and sour cherries. Sweet cherries tend to be sweeter and turn red faster than sour cherries. Temperature also plays a role in the ripening process – warm temperatures help speed up the process while cold temperatures slow it down. Finally, the longer you leave your cherries off the tree, the longer it will take for them to turn red.

To help speed up the ripening process of your cherries, make sure to store them in a single layer in a cool place with good air circulation. You can also try adding a ripe banana or a piece of fresh fruit that produces ethylene gas (such as apples) to help encourage ripening. Lastly, avoid direct sunlight – this can cause your cherries to become overripe before they even turn red!

What to do with cherries after picking? (Q&A)

Cherries are a delicious and versatile summer fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes. After picking your cherries, there are several things you can do with them to make the most out of your harvest.

If you plan on eating your cherries right away, you’ll want to make sure they’re ripe first. To do this, store the cherries in a single layer in a cool place with good air circulation. You can also try adding a ripe banana or a piece of fresh fruit that produces ethylene gas (such as apples) to help encourage ripening. Once they’re ripe, enjoy your cherries fresh or add them to salads and desserts for an extra pop of flavor!

For those who want to enjoy their cherries all year round, freezing is a great option. Start by washing and drying the cherries before placing them in an airtight container and storing them in the freezer for up to four months. Frozen cherries are perfect for adding to smoothies or baking into pies and cakes!

Finally, if you have too many cherries on hand and don’t know what to do with them all, why not try making homemade cherry jam? All you need is some sugar, pectin (or lemon juice), and spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg – it’s easy and so delicious! No matter how you decide to enjoy your freshly picked cherries, these tips will help ensure that you get the most out of your harvest.

Should you wash cherries right away? (Q&A)

Wondering if you should wash your freshly picked cherries right away? The answer is yes! As tempting as it might be to eat them straight from the tree, it’s important to make sure you clean them before consuming them. This will help remove any dirt, pesticides, and other contaminants that may have been lingering on the skin of the fruit.

To begin, fill a bowl with cold water and gently place your cherries in it. Let them soak for a few minutes and then use your hands to rub off any visible dirt or debris. Once you’ve finished washing them, lay out the cherries on a paper towel or cloth to dry. It’s also important to check for any signs of damage or rot before eating.

Finally, store your washed cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. This will keep them fresh and ready for snacking or adding to recipes – just remember not to leave them out at room temperature for too long or they’ll start to spoil quickly!

Washing your cherries immediately after picking will help ensure that they stay safe and delicious for longer – so don’t forget this important step next time you head out for a cherry-picking adventure!

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