Is it the rainbow of varieties? You’ve got your Bings (the classic), your Raniers (the blushing beauties), and your Lapins (the late-season rockstars). Each one has a personality. The Raniers are so delicate, they basically bruise if you look at them wrong. But oh, that flavor—like honey exploded in your mouth.
The Bing cherry? That’s the workhorse. Dark, firm, perfect for snacking or baking. Washington grows so many that you can find them everywhere from grocery stores to farmers markets. It’s honestly a little embarrassing for other states.
But here’s the kicker: timing is everything.
If you’re buying cherries in July or August, you’re almost certainly eating a Washington cherry. They own that window. And because they’re so close to the Pacific Northwest, they can be shipped quickly. That means they’re fresher than cherries from… well, anywhere else.
Have you ever eaten a Washington cherry in January? No, because they don’t do that. They respect the seasons. They’re like that friend who only shows up for the best parties and leaves before things get weird.