- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- FruitHealthy FoodSummer
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 11
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍒
National Rainier Cherry Day celebrates America’s beloved golden-red fruit every July 11. This day marks the peak of the Rainier cherry harvest, particularly from Washington growers, highlighting their sweet, creamy-yellow flesh and distinctive red blush. Enjoy them fresh, bake them into desserts, or share their vibrant flavor with friends and family.
Want to sponsor National Rainier Cherry Day? Learn how
History of National Rainier Cherry Day
The creator and the history of National Rainier Cherry Day are largely unknown. Back in 1952, Dr. Harold W. Fogle, a researcher at Washington State University, crossed the Bing and Van varieties of cherries to create the unique Rainier cherry. It gets its name from the great Mount Rainier in Washington State. Farmers started harvesting this variety after it was approved for commercial production in 1960.
Rainier cherries belong to the Prunus genus and are descendants of Prunus avium, the wild cherry. July is the prime season for Rainier cherry harvesting in Washington and these cherries grow for only two months every year. Growing Rainier cherries is quite a challenging task for farmers. Since the fruit has a thin and fragile skin, it is highly prone to bruising. Rainier cherries are hand-picked with extra care from the tree and put in tiny bags or lugs to minimize contact. These are temperamental crops that are sensitive to weather changes like high temperatures, rain, or strong winds.
Birds feast on Rainier cherries, too, and they are a menace to farmers, who put up nets to keep the birds from this precious fruit. The cherries are treated with the utmost care, even after they are picked from the trees. Immediately after harvest, the fruit is hydro-cooled to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Rainier cherries are quite expensive compared to red cherries. Even though the price remains high, people don’t mind shelling out some extra dollars to enjoy the sweetness and nutritional values of the fruit.
National Rainier Cherry Day timeline
Settlers from Europe bring cherries to America.
Modern-day cherry production starts in Michigan.
Marasca cherries start appearing in the desserts of the country's finest restaurants.
Rainier cherries are created at Washington State University.
National Rainier Cherry Day FAQs
When is National Rainier Cherry Day?
National Rainier Cherry Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, July 11. It’s the perfect weekend to enjoy this sweet, golden-red fruit at its peak harvest.
What makes Rainier cherries unique?
Rainier cherries are distinguished by their golden-yellow skin with a vibrant red blush, a result of their ‘Bing’ and ‘Van’ cherry parentage. They are exceptionally sweet with a creamy texture and lower acidity than darker cherry varieties, offering a delicate flavor profile.
How popular are Rainier cherries?
Rainier cherries are highly popular, particularly in the Pacific Northwest where they are primarily grown, with Washington State being a major producer. Their limited season and premium quality contribute to high demand among consumers seeking a special summer treat.
Are Rainier cherries good for you?
Yes, Rainier cherries are a nutritious fruit packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and potassium. They also contain antioxidants, which contribute to overall health benefits, making them a delicious and healthy snack.
How to celebrate National Rainier Cherry Day
Eat them fresh
Have a bowl of cold Rainier cherries for breakfast on National Rainier Cherries Day. Rich in antioxidants, this fruit will give you a boost of energy to go about your day.
Visit a cherry farm
If you are in Washington, consider visiting a Rainier cherry farm. Orchards and farms often organize walks for visitors.
Pour yourself a drink
Wines made from Rainier cherries are quite popular, too. Pour yourself a glass of this delicious wine to enjoy the day in style.
5 Facts About Cherries That Will Blow Your Mind
Rainier cherries are bigger in size
Rainier cherries are sweeter and bigger than red cherries.
Cherries come in many varieties
There are some 1,000 varieties of cherries.
A cherry tree is bountiful
An average cherry tree can bear up to 7,000 cherries.
Charles V loved cherries
King Charles V of France planted around 1,000 cherry trees in his garden.
They originated far from America
Cherries are believed to have originated somewhere between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.
Why we love National Rainier Cherry Day
It’s a seasonal fruit
Rainier cherries are available only during the summer months, which makes them very precious. This day celebrates the much-loved summer fruit.
It has an interesting history
Rainier cherries tell the story of a successful hybrid experiment. It’s both a natural and human-made wonder.
It’s all about cherries
Cherries are a common ingredient in cakes, pies, tarts, ice creams, and drinks. Today also celebrates the versatility of this wonder fruit.
