Glossy red Bing cherries are your reward for making it through the dark days of winter and into the sunshine of spring! That’s when they first arrive in California and The FruitGuys’ regional fruit mixes, but they tend to disappear just as quickly as they came—so savor them while you can.
Bings are a popular variety of sweet cherry known for their juiciness, rich flavor, and firm texture. They’re sweeter than tart cherries but not quite as sweet as white-fleshed varieties. For most snackers, they’re the ideal middle ground and the essence of cherrydom.
Bing cherries belong to the Prunus avium (sweet cherry) species, along with other red cherries and white cherries like Rainiers. They have a naturally sweet flavor with an acidic note that sings through in each bite. Visually, they stand out with their deep purple-red color and perky green stems. They’re heart-shaped, firm, and juicy, and they hold up well in recipes or as a fresh snack.
Farmers typically start harvesting Bing cherries in late spring and reach peak harvest in the summer. Bings are a popular crop in California and Washington, where warm days and cool nights help them develop their signature sweetness. The California crop comes first, with Washington hard on its heels.
Cherries are a sensitive fruit, particularly to rain during harvest, so take every bite for the gift it is.
Bing cherries’ health benefits are the cherry on top of their delicious flavor and versatility (pun intended). They’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can even be cancer-preventive, support your cardiovascular health, and relieve gout! Plus, a cup of cherries is only about 90 calories. Here’s a breakdown of the many other health benefits of the Bing cherry.
One of the key benefits of Bing cherries comes from their potassium content, around 300 milligrams per cup. Potassium keeps your cells functioning normally and supports healthy blood pressure, making these cherries an easy, heart-friendly snack.
Bing cherries are rich in anthocyanins: natural pigments that give them their deep red color. Anthocyanins are known for their antioxidant properties, which means they help your body manage everyday inflammation.
Cherries contain small amounts of melatonin, a compound linked to sleep regulation. While it’s not a quick fix, snacking on them regularly may help you stick to a more consistent sleep cycle over time.
With about 3 grams of fiber per cup and their high water content, Bing cherries keep your digestion moving.
The Vitamin C in cherries (around 10 milligrams per cup) can help support your skin health and keep your immune system in top shape.
Note: The US Department of Agriculture doesn’t offer nutrition information specific to Bing cherries, so these numbers are based on its food details for all sweet cherries.
Not all cherries offer the same experience, and understanding the differences helps you choose the ones that suit your taste or recipe best.
Bing cherries have red skin, red flesh, and a more robust flavor. Rainier cherries have yellow skin blushed with red and pale yellow flesh. They’re sweeter and more delicate.
Tart cherries are brighter and more acidic—so much so that most people only use them for baking or juicing. Sweet, firm Bing cherries are more commonly enjoyed fresh.
All cherries are good for you and have similar nutrients, but red varieties like Bing cherries tend to have higher antioxidant levels from the anthocyanins that give them their color.
Look for cherries that are deep red, glossy, and firm to the touch. The stems should still be green and fresh-looking, which usually means the fruit was recently picked. Avoid cherries that feel too soft or have dull, wrinkled skin.
For storage, keep them unwashed in the refrigerator in a plastic bag and rinse them just before you snack. They typically stay fresh for 7–10 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just pit them first and spread them out on a tray so they don’t stick together.
You can often find Bing cherries in The FruitGuys’ office fruit boxes during their short and temperamental season. We love to celebrate them while they last! To see if we’re currently delivering cherries to your area, check out This Week’s Mixes.
1. Are Bing cherries good for you?
Yes, Bing cherries are good for pretty much everyone. They offer fiber, antioxidants, and key nutrients like Vitamin C and potassium. Plus, they’re naturally hydrating.
2. What is the nutritional value of Bing cherries?
As far as the nutritional value of Bing cherries goes, they pack in around 80–100 calories per cup, along with fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
3. How many calories are in a Bing cherry?
If you’re tracking intake, a Bing cherry has about 5 calories per fruit, making it a great low-calorie snack. That’s pretty dang good for a sweet treat without added sugar.
4. When are Bing cherries in season?
They’re typically available from late spring through summer, with the crop peaking in the summer months. Look for Bings from California first, then turn to Washington when the California crop wraps up.
5. How do you pit a Bing cherry?
Use the straw technique: Remove the stem, then push a straw through the stem end of the fruit and all the way out the bottom. You’ll push the pit right out!
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