NW Cherry Crop Outlook for 2009: Bowling Over!

The crop is up from last year, with good quality fruit, an abundance of sweet cherries for summer and a strong Rainier crop in late June through July

YAKIMA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For consumers of Northwest sweet cherries — which accounts for more than half of the nation’s supply — 2009 promises to be a strong year, with crop volumes up from 2008.

Due to an extra chilly spring in 2008, the cherry trees produced less fruit and essentially rested last year. In 2009, the well rested trees appear ready for a full harvest of sweet healthy, Northwest Cherries. Early cherry blossoms suggest that 2009 will be an excellent summer for cherry production with crop volumes up from 2008 and 2007 crop figures.

B.J. Thurlby, president of the Washington State Fruit Commission and Northwest Cherry Growers, cited a full bloom across the state, promising a full crop if Mother Nature continues to cooperate. He credits a very cold winter, combined with the excellent bloom, for poising the state to yield a high-quality crop.

With cherry trees now in full blossom, a generous crop is just weeks away. The season runs from June through the third week of August. July will be the prime month for cherries. Shipping in large volumes is expected to commence the third week of June, and by the 4th of July the supply will be thriving nationwide. For the cherished Rainier, shipments will run from late June through July, with strong crop volumes up from the past two years.

Cherry trees love the Northwest’s rare microclimate and rich volcanic soil, with production that accounts for over 80 percent of the nation’s crop. In addition, Northwest cherries are shipped to more than 62 countries abroad and bring nearly $600 million into the Northwest during its two-and-a-half month season.

Whether cooked, grilled or served “naked,” cherries are nutritious and shamelessly habit-forming. As a low fat, low carbohydrate, sodium free, and high fiber treat, they provide an important source of potassium, Vitamin C, antioxidants and micronutrients. As for calories: one cup of cherries totals only 90 calories.

Northwest Cherries is comprised of Washington, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and Montana. Varieties include the Bing, Rainier (a yellow, sweet cherry with rouge blush), Lapin, Skeena, Sweetheart, and Tieton.

Visit us online, www.nwcherries.com.

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