Did you know that July 11th is National Rainier Cherry Day?
The Rainier cherry is a hybrid of Bing and Van cherries, and was created in 1952 by Harold Fogle at Washington State University. We here at My Fresh Basket love featuring local produce, so National Rainier Cherry Day is one of our favorites. With its unique yellow to blush pink skin, it definitely stands out amongst cherries, not only for its appearance, but also for its particularly sweet flavor. A great choice for a snack on a hot summer day!
Looking for some ways to make use of these deliciously decadent cherries? Here’s a couple of creative ways to incorporate Rainier cherries into your next party!
Use them as part of an ambrosia fruit salad!
Pit your Rainier cherries and slice them in half. Add some diced pineapple, mandarin orange slices, diced apples, coconut flakes, and walnuts. Toss with your favorite whipped topping to create a simple yet decadent dessert perfect for summer picnics and barbeques!
Create a seasonal sangria for your next party!
This recipe is a take on one of the perennial favorite summer drinks, the Cherry Limeade. Take a bottle of your favorite sweet white wine, like a Moscato or Riesling, and add 12 ounces (3/4 of a pound) of pitted Rainier cherries. Thinly slice 4 limes, add the juice of two lemons, and stir to incorporate the juices together. To help draw out the flavor of the fruits, you will want add a cup of your favorite spirit. 80 proof vodkas or light rums work best for this, as they are neutral spirits that will not overwhelm the flavors of the fruits. Allow to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the fruit juices to incorporate into your sangria. Stir once more before serving. Because this will be a fairly concentrated drink, you’ll want to serve it over ice topped with a lemon-lime soda to maximize the effect!
However you choose to celebrate National Rainier Cherry Day, we hope you’ll let us be a part of your celebration! Be sure to grab some Rainier cherries featured at the front of our store, on sale this week for $4.99/lb.
Sources:
Rainier Cherry Info by Wikipedia
Recipes by Ben Wiseman
