Early Northwest Cherry Harvest Promises High-Quality Fruit for Summer 2026
• The Northwest cherry harvest season is starting earlier than usual this year due to a mild winter and warm spring across the five-state growing region, which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Montana.
• According to the Northwest Cherry Growers, high-quality cherries, including dark sweet varieties like Bings and blushing Rainiers, are ripening quickly and are expected to hit grocery stores by early June.
• This year’s crop is anticipated to yield between 18.4 and 19.2 million boxes (20 pounds each) of cherries, ensuring a strong supply through August.
Why It's Important?
The early harvest is good news for consumers, who will have access to fresh, high-quality cherries sooner than usual. However, growers must manage the accelerated timeline to ensure optimal fruit quality and distribution. The abundance of cherries provides an opportunity for consumers to enjoy them fresh or preserve them for year-round use. With over 70% of the nation’s fresh cherries coming from this region, the early harvest could also positively impact the produce market.
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