YAKIMA, WA - We're all cheering for cherries over here at ANUK, and for good reason. Consumers from coast to coast can now get their hands on fresh, Northwest-grown sweet cherries as Northwest Cherry Growers has announced the beginning of the crop's anticipated harvest.

"It's been a long spring for our growers, but harvest has finally arrived," said B.J. Thurlby, President of the Northwest Cherry Growers. "Fortunately, the long, cool spring gave our cherries ample time to plump up, resulting in large, dark, extra-sweet cherries that have that great light crunch as you bite into them."

According to the organization's latest release, Northwest-grown cherries are harvested by more than 2,000 growers across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Montana, supplying a large number of cherries in stores from mid-June through early September. Snowfall during the cherry bloom this year significantly reduced and delayed the crop, but the association also noted that quality is high due to reduced competition on the trees.

The sweet summertime fruit offers numerous benefits in the produce department, as it calls to consumers with its heightened health benefits and juicy flavor. Packed with vital nutrients that support better health, sweet cherries are a versatile offering that can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Sweet cherries are high in anthocyanins, a polyphenolic compound that has also been shown to reduce inflammation, which may be a contributing factor to diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and diabetes.

As the organization went on to explain, Northwest sweet cherries are also a low-glycemic snack for those watching their blood sugars, as studies indicate that sweet cherries release glucose slowly and evenly, allowing blood sugar levels to stay steady longer.

"With grocery costs on the rise, foods that satisfy your taste buds and fuel your health are key to cost-conscience purchasing," said Kelly Pritchett, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, Assistant Professor at Central Washington University. "Sweet cherries are one of my favorite summertime fruits for exactly that reason. They're delicious, nutrient-dense, and a safe crowd-pleaser for all ages."

More information and tips for driving Northwest cherry sales can be found on the organization's website and social media pages.

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Northwest Cherry Growers