Yellow Cherries: A Colorful Twist on a Classic Fruit
What are Yellow Cherries?
Not all cherries are red! Yellow cherries are a unique variety with a sweet and tangy flavor. They get their name from their yellow flesh, which is often hidden under a red or pink blush. Yellow cherries are just as juicy and delicious as their red counterparts, but they offer a fun and unexpected twist.
Popular Yellow Cherry Varieties
There are several different types of yellow cherry varieties, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Rainier Sweet Cherry: This cherry has yellow skin with a red blush and creamy yellow flesh. It’s a popular variety known for its sweetness and early harvest time.
- Emperor Francis Sweet Cherry: This yellow cherry has a red blush and white or yellow flesh. It’s a mid-season variety that’s considered one of the founding clones of sweet cherries.
- White Gold Sweet Cherry: This cherry has yellow skin with a red blush and white flesh. It’s a mid-season variety that’s known for its sweet and juicy flavor.
- Royal Ann Sweet Cherry: This cherry has yellow skin with a red blush and creamy yellow flesh. It’s a mid-season variety that’s popular for its large size and sweet taste.
Growing Yellow Cherry Trees
Growing yellow cherry trees is no different than growing red cherry trees. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose a variety that’s right for your climate. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others, so it’s important to select one that will thrive in your area.
- Plant your tree in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Cherry trees need plenty of sunlight and good drainage to produce the best fruit.
- Water your tree regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Cherry trees need about 1 inch of water per week.
- Fertilize your tree according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cherry trees need regular fertilization to produce abundant fruit.
- Prune your tree regularly to remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning also helps to improve air circulation and fruit production.
Harvesting Yellow Cherries
Yellow cherries are typically ready to harvest in mid to late summer. The fruit should be fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch. When harvesting, use sharp scissors to cut the cherries from the tree.
Protecting Your Crop
Birds love cherries, so it’s important to protect your crop from these hungry pests. You can do this by netting your trees or using bird scare tactics.
Enjoy Your Yellow Cherries!
Yellow cherries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or baked. They’re a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they’re also a good source of antioxidants. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and refreshing snack, reach for a handful of yellow cherries!