Rainier cherries were “born” in 1960, and what a grand entrance they made into the world of fruit. Words are inadequate to describe the glorious sensation experienced by your taste buds when you bite into a plump, sweet Rainier. As you savor the luscious flavor of this unparalleled delicacy, you long for more.

Although Rainier cherries are grown throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana in order for the fruit to ripen at different times, the most prized pickings of the famous Northwest cherries are in the area of Eastern Washington State. This region consistently produces the largest and sweetest Raniers.

The special Rainier cherry is a cross between a Bing and a Van -- two sweet, red cherry varieties. Harold Fogle, who at the time oversaw the cherry breeding program at the Washington State University extension station in Prosser, made the cross in 1952, and the Rainier variety was released for public consumption in 1960. The original mother tree still lives today on a Washington State University plot of land five miles from the extension station.

Producing the quality of Rainier cherries that brings top dollar requires precision and attention to detail. Because of the investment of time and dollars, there are few sources of the very best cherries. Trees that yield premium quality crops, however, reward their owners handsomely. Those highly sought after golden Rainier gems bring in at least five to six dollars per pound in the U.S. and sometimes more than a dollar per individual cherry in Japan.

Spacing the trees just so and expertly trimming the branches to let in the exact amount of sunlight is the key to Ranier cherries’ color and sweetness. Devotees of this special cherry treasure the light yellow flesh, which gives the color of the skin a sunny undertone. The gloriously sweet taste is what keeps fans of Rainiers coming back for more.

Beginning in late March, Rainier cherry trees across the Northwest begin to bloom with stunning white blossoms. At harvest time, it is imperative to handle the ripe cherries with tender loving care to prevent bruising. The stem is left attached to the cherry for extended freshness. Noted growers allow only hand-harvesting of their prize winning crops and actually conduct harvesting classes for their pickers.

When shopping for Rainiers, choose large, plump cherries with smooth shiny skins. To extend the life of this sweet fruit, keep whole cherries unwashed in a breathable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Thoroughly wash before serving and eat as soon as possible as freshness can deteriorate rapidly.

Among the sweetest of fruits, this special treat is lauded by fruit lovers everywhere who eagerly await their arrival from early June to August. Perfect to eat out of hand or as an addition to sweet or spicy summer dishes, this seasonal super food can be cooked, grilled or served plain for healthy eating. As a sweet, high fiber treat, cherries provide an important source of potassium, vitamin C, antioxidants, and micronutrients. One cup of cherries contains only 90 calories. For one of summer’s memorable experiences, indulge in the seasonal delicacy of golden, blushing, sweet Rainier cherries today.