The gorgeous cherry blossoms that brighten up our gray Pacific Northwest spring have come and gone, but what comes next is just as noteworthy: cherries! A versatile food that can be enjoyed a variety of ways, and we’re suggesting six ways to locally enjoy this little fruit that packs a big punch.
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1
Fresh from the farm
Before branching out too far, why not start at the source? On your next trip to your local farmers market, keep an eye out for bundles of fresh cherries. Bring them home and bake them into a pastry or dessert, cut them up into a salad or simply eat them fresh off the stem (but do mind the pit!). Even better? By procuring them at the market, you’re shopping small and supporting local farmers.
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2
Covered in chocolate
Cherries and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly! You can find this match made in heaven at Chukar Cherries, located in Pike Place Market. In addition to offering dried cherries, nuts and a few sauces and baked goods, Chukar’s showstopper are its giftboxes containing locally grown cherries covered in delectable chocolate. Grab a box as a gift for a friend or gift one (or more) boxes to yourself — we won’t tell!
📍Pike Place, main arcade
⏰ Daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
💰 $13.95-$499.95
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3
Drink garnish
From Manhattans to Shirley Temples, cherries add a little zing to your favorite cocktails and mocktails. Cofounded by two Seattle friends, Orasella takes beverage cherries to the next level. Using an old Italian family recipe and cherries from a family member’s local farm, their artisanal maraschino cherry was born. You can also now collect their botanical and tiki varieties online or locally at retailers such as Metropolitan Market and PCC.
📍Purchase online or visit their retail directory
⏰ Retailer hours vary
💰 $15.99 per jar
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4
Frozen vegan treat
Nothing celebrates the arrival of the warmer seasons quite like ice cream. Luckily, Frankie & Jos is leaning hard into the cherry theme with its pints of Cherry Special Drink, a vegan and gluten-free flavor made from coconut milk, cherry juice and pieces of tart cherries with a hint of almond — so good, even a dairy enthusiast will love it! Looking for a vegan ice cream cake with cherries? Check out Salt & Straw’s Black Forest cake.
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5
Cult classic slice
A cherry dish with its own following? Yes please! Hop in the car and head to Twede’s Café in North Bend for a slice of cherry pie (both made famous by the late David Lynch’s Twin Peaks) —and be sure to order it with a damn fine cup of coffee! All of the famed diner’s pies are made in house. Want the pie without the gas money? You can go on Twede’s website and get their cherry pie shipped right to your front door.
📍137 W North Bend Way, North Bend
⏰ Monday-Sunday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
💰 $7.25-$79.95
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6
Breakfast bite
Our state’s seasonal fruit may not be the first ingredient you think of when you hear the name Rachel’s Bagels and Burritos, but you’re in for a cherry surprise! Cherry bagels are one of their fresh, made-from-scratch daily menu offerings. Pair it with some classic cream cheese for a sweet, slightly sour, and savory bite of breakfast.
