Okay, let’s give a quick nod to Michigan. They grow a ton of tart cherries—the kind you find in pies. But we’re talking total cherries here, sweet and tart combined. Sorry, Michigan, you’re a close second, but the real heavyweight is Washington.
Yes, Washington State. The same place that brings you rain, coffee, and grunge music also brings you mountains of cherries. They produce over 60% of all sweet cherries in the U.S. That’s not just a lot of cherries; that’s a cherry onslaught.
Why Washington? Because it’s perfect for the job.
Think about it. Cherries are divas. They hate humidity. They need cold winters to sleep, then warm, dry summers to wake up. Washington’s climate? A dream for a cherry. The volcanic soil near the Columbia River is like a five-star spa for fruit trees.
And the timing! Washington cherries ripen in late June and July, right when the whole country is begging for fresh fruit. It’s like they planned it. They’re the headliners at every summer BBQ.
Places like Yakima, Wenatchee, and the Columbia River Valley are basically cherry factories. But in a good, nature-y way. These regions get just enough chill in winter to make the trees happy, then blazing sun to make the cherries sweet as candy.
