CHERRIES
Here at Gebbers Farms, a fresh cherry is not just a cherry. In our cherry orchards in Washington State, we grow more than 2,500 acres of seven different cherry varieties in some of the richest soil in the world. In fact, Gebbers Farms has become the largest cherry farm in the U.S. We have become the largest supplier of late season sweet cherries that are simply second to none in quality, freshness and taste.
Cherries differ from apples and pears in that there is a comparatively short window to harvest, pack and ship them. After about nine and a half months of carefully cultivating the trees and nurturing the fruit, the annual cherry crop ripens and must be picked, packed, and shipped within roughly ten weeks. And because cherries are especially delicate – prone to bruising and water damage – this process requires innovative technology to ensure freshness.
Interested in learning more about cherry packing? Watch this short video where Clay Gebbers explains the technology used to gently and precisely handle cherries after they’ve been picked. There are an incredible number of decisions being made on a single cherry to delicately bring it from tree to box!
Our seven different cherry varieties:
LAPIN
Lapin Cherries are well suited for fresh eating. They ripen late in the season and possess an exceptional sweetness, void of tart notes. A rich mahogany red and a smooth, plump shape make the Lapin admirable in flavor and appearance.
Season: Early July-Mid August
CHELAN
The Chelan™ is one of the earliest ripening cherries of the Pacific Northwest. With its plump heart shape and firm sweet flesh this mahogany red cherry sets a beautiful tone for the cherry season.
Season: Early June-Late June
BING
Large in size, and a deep mahogany-red in color, the Bing is enjoyed for its sweet, rich flavor. Bing cherries are firm and juicy with a relatively long season.
Season: Mid June-Mid August
RAINIER
Exceptional in both size and color, the Rainier is a crowd pleaser. This cherry’s appearance is rivaled only by its flavor. The vibrant yellow cherry with a signature red blush possesses a flesh that is firm and finely textured. Paired with great sweetness, the Rainier sets itself apart.
Season: Late June-Early August
SKEENA
The Skeena® variety is characterized by its dark red, almost black color and dense, firm texture that creates a vivid and satisfying mouthfeel. The addition of excellent sweetness makes sure that stunning beauty and amazing flavor go hand in hand.
Season: Mid July-Early August
SWEETHEART
Mild sweetness and admirable firmness, the Sweetheart® satiates desires for cherries from late in July and well into August. This delicious cherry that bids us farewell to the season is a sweet note on which to part.
Season: Late July-Mid August
SONNETS
Very large, with an illustrious red hue, the Sonnet is both picturesque and tasty. Excellent firmness and ample sweetness with low acidity make the Sonnet® a favorite of cherry lovers.
Season: Early June