Whether eaten raw, dried, used as an ingredient, or as a topper on ice cream, cherries are one of the most preferred fruits that grow on trees (or anywhere for that matter).
Cherries are believed to originate from regions between the Caspian and Black Seas, in Asia Minor. They grow on flowering trees belonging to the Prunus genus and are classified as drupes or stone fruit.
Below we discuss the question of whether or not cherries continue to ripen after being picked.
Do Cherries Ripen After Being Picked?
Cherry is a fruit that is somewhat on the fence when it comes to whether or not it ripens after being picked. For the most part, cherries don’t ripen much after being picked. That said, slightly unripe and almost fully ripe cherries may well indeed ripen after being picked.
How Do You Ripen a Cherry?
Cherries may ripen a bit if you place them inside a paper bag with a banana or two. You can also use apples in the place of bananas. Fold the top of the bag down and set it on the kitchen counter for a few days. Check regularly until they are ripe (otherwise, you may open the bag after a few days only to find spoiled cherries!)
How to Tell if a Cherry is Ripe?
The best way to tell if a cherry is ripe is by its color and firmness. Ripe cherries are also easy to remove from the tree, so if they’re clinging when you try to pick them it may be best to leave to ripen further and then pick them on another day.
It is important to note that sweet cherries may be deceptive in color, appearing to be ripe when they are only partially so. For that reason, they must be tasted to tell if they are ripe or not.
What is the Best Time to Pick Cherries?
The best time to pick cherries depends on the species of cherries being grown, the region, and weather conditions. That said, most cherries are picked between the beginning of June and the end of July.
Is it ok to Eat Unripe Cherries?
Unripe cherries are more or less toxic and are not safe to eat. Cherries that aren’t ripe contain solanidine and solanine, dangerous compounds that may cause anything from cramps and diarrhea to nausea and vomiting. Only ripe cherries should be consumed, in any shape or form.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
