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On July 11, get ready to celebrate National Rainier Cherry Day! This special day has been celebrated since the early 1990s in honor of the famous Rainier cherry. These delicious cherries are a type of yellow-fleshed sweet cherry that was developed in Washington State during the 1950s by horticulturalist Harold Fogle. They have a creamy white flesh and a light pink blush on their skin. They are perfect for baking and make a delicious snack just as they are too! So grab some Rainier cherries and join the celebration!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rainier Cherry Development</div><div class='timeline-text'>Harold Fogle, a horticulturalist in Washington State, creates the Rainier cherry by crossing the 'Bing' and 'Van' cultivars.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rainier Cherry Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Rainier cherry gains international recognition for its superior flavor and texture, becoming a highly sought-after product around the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Rainier Cherry Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday is founded in the early 1990s to celebrate this special cherry variety and its unique contributions to culinary arts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rainier Cherry Festival Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first annual Rainier Cherry Festival is held in Washington State, featuring cherry picking, recipe contests, and other celebratory events.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Record Production Year</div><div class='timeline-text'>A record is set as Washington State produces over 23,000 tons of Rainier cherries in a single year, demonstrating the fruit's popularity.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Bake a Rainier Cherry Pie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Rainier cherries are juicy and sweet, perfect for baking. Make a classic Rainier cherry pie with a flaky crust and ooey, gooey filling.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Drink Rainier Cherry Soda</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you love the flavor of Rainier cherries, why not try making your own Rainier cherry soda? It’s easy to make and fun to drink.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Eat Rainier Cherries Straight From the Tree</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Nothing beats enjoying a fresh Rainier cherry straight from the tree! Go pick some cherries and enjoy a sweet, juicy snack.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make Rainier Cherry Jam</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make your own Rainier cherry jam at home with just a few simple ingredients and some patience. Enjoy on toast or as a topping for ice cream.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a Rainier Cherry Party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up your friends and family for a Rainier cherry party! Serve up Rainier cherry soda, pie, jam, or anything else you can think of that uses the delicious fruit.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tart and Sweet</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rainier cherries are a unique mix of tart and sweet. With just the right balance of acidity and sugar, these versatile fruits can be used in everything from classic desserts to savory side dishes. Plus, they're packed with antioxidants and important vitamins so you can feel good about eating them!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Beautiful Color</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>rainier cherries have a beautiful yellowish pink color that stands out amongst other fruits. This bright hue makes them perfect for using as decorations or using in salads, main dishes and desserts. The flavor is also just as impressive - you won't regret adding these delectable cherries to your recipes!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Unique Taste</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rainier cherries stand out amongst other types of cherries due to their unique flavor profile. They contain hints of almond, honey and vanilla that set them apart from other fruits. So if you're looking for something different than the regular cherry variety, Rainier cherries are definitely worth trying!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rainier cherries are named after Mount Rainier</h3><p class='facts-text'>Rainier cherries are named after Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in the state of Washington, where they were first cultivated in 1952.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rainier cherries have a short growing season</h3><p class='facts-text'>Rainier cherries have a relatively short season. They are typically available from late June to mid-July, making their availability more limited compared to other cherry types.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rainier cherries are more delicate than other cherry varieties</h3><p class='facts-text'>Rainier cherries bruise more easily than other cherries, requiring careful handling during harvest and transportation. This often contributes to their higher market price.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rainier cherries are attractive to birds</h3><p class='facts-text'>Due to their sweet flavor and light color, birds find Rainier cherries particularly attractive which is a challenge for the farmers who often adopt various bird-scaring tactics to protect their crops.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rainier cherries have a distinct, sweet flavor</h3><p class='facts-text'>Rainier cherries are known for their exceptional sweetness. This is due to their low acidity, which allows the natural sugars in the fruit to shine through more pronouncedly.</p></div></div>
National Rainier Cherry Day is celebrated on July 11 every year. In 2024 National Rainier Cherry Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Jul 11
Tuesday
2024
Jul 11
Thursday
2025
Jul 11
Friday
2026
Jul 11
Saturday
2027
Jul 11
Sunday
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