If there is one fruit that officially screams “summer has arrived,” it’s the gorgeous Rainier cherry! With their gorgeous yellow skin blushed with pink, these multi-colored beauties look more like a sunrise than a standard stone fruit. 

Let’s dive into why these premium, ultra-sweet treats deserve a permanent spot in your grocery cart this summer!

And this year, the Rainier Cherry moved its special day to when they are actually in season: June 28th! We are looking forward to celebrating the Rainier cherry on #NationalRainierCherryDay and every day!

All About Rainier Cherries

Believe it or not, this royal cherry variety isn’t an ancient heirloom. It’s a brilliant modern masterpiece of agricultural cross-breeding. 

The Rainier cherry was developed in 1952 by Dr. Harold Fogle at the Washington State University Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Fogle successfully crossed two classic dark sweet cherry varieties: the robust Bing and the sweet Van. The result was an entirely new visual and culinary experience, named lovingly after the majestic Mount Rainier overlooking the Washington landscape.

While consumers initially didn’t know what to make of a yellow cherry (often assuming they weren’t ripe yet), it didn’t take long for word to spread about their exceptional flavor. 

Today, they are prized worldwide as a gourmet delicacy. Because they are delicate, easily bruised, and highly coveted by local birds, growing and harvesting them requires an extraordinary amount of manual labor, wrapping entire orchards in protective

netting and picking each stem meticulously by hand. 

It’s no wonder they are often called the “royal” cherry!

When Are Rainier Cherries In Season?

If you blink, you just might miss them! Rainier cherries are the ultimate seasonal treat because their availability window is incredibly brief and elite. The harvest kicks off in early-mid June and typically wraps up by late July or very early August, depending entirely on the Pacific Northwest weather patterns.

Because their peak season lasts only about six to eight weeks, they are highly anticipated. When you spot that unmistakable yellow and red blush in the produce department, don’t wait for your next grocery trip, grab a bag (or two) immediately. 

Health Benefits of Rainier Cherries

While eating them feels like indulging in nature’s finest candy, Rainier cherries are packed with top-tier nutritional benefits that work wonders for your body. As your trusted produce authorities, we love food that tastes indulgent but fuels your health effortlessly. 

Here is what makes them a nutritional powerhouse:

• Nutrient Rich
  • Contains fiber to support digestion
  • Packed with antioxidants and vitamins (C, polyphenols)
  • Supports overall wellness and immune health
• Digestive Support
  • Soluble fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria
  • Promotes gentle, regular digestion
  • Helps maintain a balanced microbiome
• Heart & Circulation Benefits
  • Polyphenols support healthy blood vessels
  • Antioxidants help protect arteries from oxidative stress
  • Supports overall cardiovascular wellness
• Brain & Energy Support
  • Natural plant compounds help reduce inflammation
  • Support steady energy and focus throughout the day
  • A wholesome snack for growing kids and active families

Visit nwcherries.com/health for more cherry health information and download the 2025 research whitepaper.

Related: 7 Myth-Bustin Facts About Cherries

Ways to Enjoy Rainier Cherries

The absolute best way to experience a Rainier cherry is completely raw, chilled, and straight from the colander. Because they boast a significantly higher sugar content than dark red cherries, their naturally sweet, almost creamy flavor profile shines brightest with zero preparation. 

However, if you want to elevate your summer culinary game, here are a few of our favorite ideas:

• The Ultimate Summer Salad: Pit and halve a cup of Rainier cherries and toss them into a bed of fresh wild arugula, crumbles of tangy goat cheese, almonds and a light lemon-shallot vinaigrette. The contrast between the sweet cherries and peppery greens is unforgettable. Try our Steak & Arugula Salad with Cherries & Almonds.
• Gourmet Charcuterie Boards: Move over, grapes! The stunning yellow-pink hue of Rainier cherries adds instant visual drama and high-end restaurant appeal to your cheese and cured meat platters. They pair beautifully with brie, sharp white cheddar, and prosciutto.
• Sweet & Savory Salsas: Finely chop pitted Rainiers alongside a jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and fresh lime juice. This bright, sweet salsa elevates grilled chicken breasts or fish tacos from ordinary weeknight meals to spectacular summer dining.
• Elegant Cocktails & Mocktails: Muddle a few cherries in the bottom of a glass with fresh mint before topping with club soda, a splash of lime juice, or your favorite spirits for a refreshing afternoon sipper. Try Rainier cherries in our Cherry & Lime Slushie or Cherry Bomb Cocktail.

More Great Cherry Recipes

• Cherry Limeade
• Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Filling
• Cherry Clafoutis
• Whipped Cherry Goat Cheese
• Cherry Yogurt Bark
• Cherry Danish

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your local produce department. Keep your eyes peeled for that unmistakable golden-pink glow, and grab a bag (or three!) of Rainier cherries before their blink-and-you-miss-it season passes us by. 

Whether you’re tossing them into a fresh summer salad, serving them on a gorgeous charcuterie board, or just snacking on them straight from the colander, these sweet little gems are bound to make your summer just a bit brighter.

Want to save them for later in the year? You can easily freeze cherries, and we have a guide to show you you how.

Looking for more inspiration? Check us out on Pinterest or Instagram, and join our community of Produce Moms!