NATIONAL RAINIER CHERRY DAY

NATIONAL RAINIER CHERRY DAY

National Rainier Cherry Day on June 28 recognizes the cherry variety named after Mount Rainier. In 1952, Harry Fogle of Washington State University developed the Rainier cherry by cross-breeding the Bing and Van cherry varieties.

#RainierCherryDay

Rainier cherries are a yellow, golden skinned cherry with a light-colored flesh. These cherries have a beautiful sun kissed blush color that gives them that touch of red. They are super-sweet in flavor and often have very high sugar levels, known as Brix. Despite the naturally occurring sugar content of cherries, cherry consumption does not induce glucose spikes. This sweet benefit means cherries can be consumed regularly as part of an overall health-promoting dietary pattern in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes.

Rainier cherries are a temperamental crop that is sensitive to temperature, wind, and rain. Each season, birds eat almost one-third of the crop. While cherries in general present growing challenges, Rainier cherries are unique. Their delicate skins require the cherries to be hand-picked, which unfortunately, increases the labor costs for growers. However, superior taste keeps producers and consumers coming back for more.

Did you know? Rainier cherries were invented in 1952 by Harold Fogle, a researcher at Washington State University. Fogle combined the Bing cherry and Van cherry and produced the beautiful golden-hued Rainier cherry fruit.

Rainier cherries have a thin skin and a thin creamy-yellow flesh. They need enough sunlight exposure to develop their attractive sun kissed red blush. Growers lay down a reflective foil that bounces sunlight up into the tree canopy, helping fruit color evenly. This is especially helpful for the the lower and inner cherries that don’t get as much natural direct sun. More sunlight equals higher sugar levels and better flavor.

Unsurprisingly, Rainier Cherries are an extremely popular fruit. In fact, the demand is so high growers take extra pains to ensure the fruit does not go to the birds. They cover the trees in nets and plant them between red cherry trees to encourage the bees to pollinate the blossoms. Besides hand-picking the fruit, the harvesters place the cherries into small bags to avoid bruising. Every necessary precaution is taken, so the cherries arrive in the market in perfect and delicious condition.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RAINIER CHERRY DAY

Purchase some Rainier cherries. Either bake with them or eat them fresh. Take some time to shop around. You may even find wine, cordials, or preserves made from Rainier cherries. The makers of the products will proudly display a label indicating the item is made with Rainier cherries. Post on social media using #RainierCherryDay to encourage others to join in as well.

NATIONAL RAINIER CHERRY DAY HISTORY

In 2025, the Washington State Fruit Commission (DBA Northwest Cherries, Northwest Cherry Growers) reached out to National Day Calendar to change the date of National Rainier Cherry Day from July 11 to June 28. After successfully working with National Day Calendar, the date was changed. Beginning in 2025, National Rainier Cherry Day will be celebrated on June 28.

The Washington State Fruit Commission is a state agency that defined under RCW15.28, was created to handle the promotion of cherries (and other stone fruits) across the world. The Commission was founded in 1947 to increase consumption through promotion, market development, research, and education.

The Washington State Fruit Commission currently represents 2,200 growers and shippers across the Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Montana. The Commission is funded by funded by grower assessments.