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July 10, 2006
PREMIUM FRESH CHERRIES
The Bing cherries I’ve purchased and sampled from various sources this year have been terrific so far — and with the peak of the Northwest cherry season, get your hands on some in the next few weeks, particularly if you’re a fresh cherry fan.
Over the weekend, Costco had a four-pound pack for just under $10 — the cherries were large and delicious (Costco was sampling them to encourage shoppers to buy).
A few years back, I had the opportunity to sample Batch’s Best Farm Family fresh Bing cherries and they were fantastic — large, plump and sweet — and some of the best I’d ever tasted. Available online only through www.chefshop.com, this year’s Bing crop is sold out, but you can order the farm’s Lapin or Sweetheart cherries which will be shipped July 17 and July 24 respectively (when they are picked). They’re not inexpensive but they’re luxurious, 3 pounds for $51.95 and 5 pounds for $65.95 (price includes 2-day shipping). Hurry and call (877)337-2491 or go online to order at www.chefshop.com.
If it’s Rainiers you love, get your hands on some from the Olmstead Family and their Olmstead Orchards. I just had the good fortune of indulging in some — and found them almost additive — I couldn’t stop eating them. They were big, beautiful, golden with a red blush and sweet — and the best ever. They are grown in Grandview, Washington. To order, call (866) 388-9094 or go to www.olmsteadorchards.com. Two and a half pounds are $27.95 (shipping is additional) and 5 pounds are $53.95 (shipping additional). Hurry as July 11 appears to be the last day to order. Olmstead also offer Bings but those are sold out for this season. Keep them in mind next year and order early.
When you get Rainiers, don’t be alarmed if they have light brown spots — those are sweet spots.
Posted by Natalie Haughton at July 10, 2006 4:52 PM