When is National Rainier Cherry Day?
Tuesday July 11thThe cherry variety named after Mount Rainier is named after the cherry variety named after the cherry variety named after Mount Rainier on July 11th. Harry Fogle of Washington State University created the Rainier cherry in 1952 by cross-breeding the Bing and Van cherry varieties.
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The sweet Rainier cherries have a thin skin and a thin creamy-yellow flesh. Cherries are a periseasonal crop that is sensitive to temperature, wind, and rain. Birds consume almost one-third of the crop each season. Although cherries in general are on the rise, Rainier cherries are particular. The cherries must be hand-picked due to their delicate skins. However, superior taste keeps producers and customers coming back for more.
This popular fruit is in such high demand that growers go to extra pain to ensure the fruit does not reach the birds. To encourage the bees to pollinate the blossoms, they netted the trees and planted them between red cherry trees. To prevent bruising, the harvesters hand-pick the cherries and place them in small bags. Every necessary precaution is taken to ensure the cherries arrive in the market in pristine and delicious condition.
The Northwest Cherry Growers hand-pick one restaurant in each state to feature at least one Rainier cherry dish in their restaurants on July 11th in honor of the day and as part of the Tree-to-Table initiative.
