U-Pick Fruit at Cherry Hill
Cherries
Some Information About Cherries
Washington is the largest supplier of cherries in the United States. Cherries are also supplied by Oregon, California, Canada and Chile.
The Rainier Cherry is a cross between a Bing Cherry and Van Cherry. The Rainier Cherry was created in 1952 at Washington State University by Harold Fogle.
Rainier Cherries are also known as the "white cherry" because they have a white, creamy flesh and the skin is yellowish-red blush once they are ripe.
Health Benefits
- Tart cherries have an anti-inflammatory property called anthocyanin.
- Cherries may help reduce many of the risk factors associated with heart disease by reducing cholesterol, insulin and blood sugar levels.
- Tart cherries are a rich source of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that contains potent levels of Vitamins C, E and A.
- One cup of Cherries contain 90 calories.
Picking and Storage Tips
- Cherries can be kept in the refrigerator several days before use.
- Do not wash cherries right before you use them.
- Do not wash them and then store in the refrigerators, as they will mold.
- 1 pound fresh unpitted cherries = about 80 cherries
- 1 pound fresh unpitted cherries = 2 1/3 cups pitted cherries
- 1 pound fresh unpitted cherries = 1 1/2 cups cherry juice
Raspberries
Some Information About Raspberries
Always call first for picking conditions before coming out to Cherry Hill to pick Raspberries. Raspberries are best picked in the morning or evening, rather then in the hot summer sun.
One pint of Raspberries or two cups, yields four servings. Two pints or four cups are needed for a 9" pie. One cup of Raspberries is only 61 calories and high in fiber.
Health Benefits
- Raspberries not only taste good but they are beneficial to your health. Raspberries are one of the select number of foods considered to be a "super food"- that is, they contain chemical (phytochemicals) that science has learned help directly fight disease, including cancer.
- David Geffen from California's School of Medicine notes that Raspberries have "the ability to counteract, reduce and even repair damage resulting from oxidative stress and inflammation".
- Raspberries are packed with nutritional value including high levels of Vitamin C, Manganese, and calcium.
- Raspberries also have the added health benefit of being an anti-oxidant.
- Raspberries also contain manganese, magnesium, copper and iron.
Picking and Storage Tips
- Raspberries are ripe when they slip off into your hands easily. Do not tug on them.
- Place Raspberries out of the direct sun light. Refrigerate as soon as possible.
- Look under leaves, they like to hide.
- Handle berries gently, don't pile too high in the containers.
- If not serving the Raspberries right away, do not wash. Place Raspberries in a container and cover with a slightly damp paper towel.
- Just before serving, under a gentle spray of water, wash raspberries very gently. Let drain.
- Raspberries can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Raspberries are great for freezing.
Peaches
Some Information About Peaches
All our Peaches at Cherry Hill are freestone varieties and are great for eating, freezing, canning or baking.
If you start with a Peach pit, it can take up to four years until you are able to eat you first Peach. Peach trees can live as long as 40 years, with the proper care, pruning and climate.
A Peach tree is able to yield fruit for roughly 35 to 40 years.
One pound of fresh Peaches equal: *2 to 4 medium size peaches *2 cups sliced Peaches *1 1/2 cups pureed Peaches
Health Benefits
- Peaches are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.
- Peaches are also a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Niacin and Potassium.
- Peaches are a very good source of Vitamin C.
- A medium size Peach (with the skin) contains 1 gram of fiber.
Picking and Storage Tips
- Peaches that are dripping juice right off the tree are wonderful, but can be difficult to transport.
- Select Peaches that have a yellow undertone instead of green.
- The ridge on the peach should just give when pressed gently with your thumb.
- Peaches will finish ripening within one to seven days off of the tree.
- Spread the Peaches out on a single layer of newspaper, at room temperature.
- Do not let them touch each other.
- Do not transport Peaches or store Peaches in plastic, the heat and humidity will cause them to mold.
- Treat Peaches gently.
- Putting Peaches in the refrigerator can cause loss of flavor, texture and the moisture can discolor the Peach.