What do you do with fresh cherries? Pit them and freeze them for smoothies, pies, and jam later in the year? Pit them and eat them as is? Well, pit them and dry them. Drying fruits is a great way to preserve their flavor and nutrients for long periods.
Here’s how to dry them using your oven or a food dehydrator. Enjoy!
Cherries are a delicious and healthy snack, but they don’t last long once they’re picked. Here are five easy steps to help you store these fresh for as long as possible.
Choose ripe ones that are free of blemishes.
Remove the stems and wash them in cool water.
Dry with a paper towel or salad spinner.
Please place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and store them in the fridge or freezer.
Enjoy your fresh fruits within two to three days of picking or up to two months if frozen!
Do Plums Ripen After Picking?
Yes, they do. Plums will ripen after picking whether they are left at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Room temperature will ripen them more quickly, but refrigeration will also work.
The best way to tell if a plum is ripe is to check the color. Ripe plums will be a deep purple or black color. You can also feel the plum to see if it is soft. If it is still firm, it needs more time to ripen.
Will Cherries Ripen Off The Tree?
Yes, cherries will ripen off the tree. The ripening process is caused by the change in a cherry’s environment from a high starch concentration to a high sugar concentration. This climate change is caused by decreased sunlight hours as summer transitions to fall.
So, as long as it’s still warm outside and the cherry isn’t frozen, it will continue to ripen.
Should Fresh Cherries Be Refrigerated?
It’s a good idea to refrigerate them because they will last longer if you do. They will only last for a few days when stored at room temperature. But if you refrigerate them, they can last up to two weeks.
Fruit That Ripens After Picking
There are quite a few fruits that ripen after they’re picked! Here are five of them:
Mangoes
Mangoes are tropical fruit that continues to ripen after they’re picked. So, if you find a mango that’s not quite ripe, don’t worry – just put it in a paper bag with an apple or banana, and it should ripen within a day or two.
Pears
Pears are another fruit that continues to ripen after picking. Again, if you find one that’s not quite ripe, pop it in a paper bag with an apple or banana, and it should be good to eat within a day or two.
Avocados
Avocados are a delicious fruit in all recipes, from guacamole to salads. And, like mangoes and pears, avocados will continue to ripen after they’re picked.
So, if you find one that’s not quite ripe, just put it in a paper bag and wait a day or two.
Plums
Plums are a delicious summer fruit, and like avocados, they will continue to ripen after they’re picked. So, if you find one that’s not quite ripe, just put it in a paper bag and wait a day or two.
Cherries
Cherries are a delicious and healthy fruit, but they don’t last long once they’re picked. So, if you find some that are not quite ripe, it’s best to refrigerate them. This will help them last for up to two weeks.
When Are Cherries Harvested?
Depending on the variety, they are typically harvested in early summer, around June or July. Sweet ones can be gathered by hand or machine, while tart cherries are usually harvested with a machine.
After harvest, they are quickly cooled to preserve their quality and then sorted and graded.
The best fruits are typically shipped to fresh markets, while others may be processed into products like jams, pies, or wine.
When Do Cherries Come Out?
They are typically in season from late May to early September.
When Do You Pick Cherries?
They are best picked when they are ripe and sweet. The best way to determine if they are ripe is to taste them. Ripe ones will be slightly soft to the touch and will have a deep red color.
How To Ripen Cherries Faster
Here are three easy steps:
Wrap them in a paper towel and store them in a closed plastic bag.
Store in a warm place, such as on the refrigerator or near the oven.
Check them every day to see if they have ripened. Once they are ripe, enjoy!
How To Tell If Cherries Are Good
There are a few simple ways to tell if they are good.
The first is to look at the fruits and ensure they’re a deep, vibrant red. If they’re pale or have any brown spots, they’re probably not ripe and won’t taste as good.
The second way to tell if they are good is by gently squeezing them. They should be firm but yielding slightly to the pressure. If they feel hard or squish easily, they’re probably not ripe yet or may be past their prime.
Finally, you can smell the fruits to see if they smell fresh and sweet. If they don’t smell nice or don’t have much of a scent, they’re probably not as fresh as they could be.
If unsure, it’s always best to taste a small cherry before buying a whole bunch. That way, you’ll know if they’re ripe and sweet or if you should look for another bunch.
