Rainier
Available as:
Stemilt & Artisan Organics
Facts of Interest:
Introduced in 1960 as a cross between Van & Bing, this relatively new cherry variety originated in Prosser, WA at the Washington Agriculture Experiment Station by Harold W. Fogel. The Rainier has received great acceptance by consumers nationwide. They are super-sweet, plump, and juicy with a taste second to none.
Rainier cherries are harvested multiple times from the same tree as they mature throughout the short season. In general, Rainier's grow a size or two larger than dark-sweet cherries.
National Rainier Cherry Day is held every year on July 11th.
Characteristics
Appearance:
Attractive yellow with partial to full red blush
Texture & Firmness:
Firm, fine & smooth
Internal Character:
Almost colorless and juicy
Flavor:
Super-sweet and delicate; Sugar levels range from 17° to 23° Brix
Shape:
Slightly obovate, similar to Bing
Size:
Very large; offered in few sizes
Uses:
Excellent eaten fresh
Artisan Organics is Stemilt’s banner for organic tree fruits. This label adorns all packaging and price look-up (PLU) stickers on Stemilt’s organic apples, pears, cherries and stone fruits.
Stemilt began major investments in organic tree fruit production back in 1989. At the time, farming organically on a large-scale was unheard of, since there were so few organic applications available. Despite the challenges, Stemilt founder Tom Mathison knew there was potential for organics in the marketplace and continued preparing Stemilt for future growth.
Because of Tom’s foresight, Stemilt gradually increased its organic presence, and today, is one of the nation’s leading shippers of organic tree fruits. Try Artisan Organics for a unique flavor experience that only natural farming methods can deliver!
Check out our Organic Leader page to learn more about what makes Stemilt a standout in the organic field!
Check out our Organic Leader page to learn more about what makes Stemilt a standout in the organic field!
Being the U.S. leader in cherries is tough work, but we’ve proven we have what it takes to stay at the top of our game. We continue to lead the industry in quality, supply and length of availability.
Stemilt is truly passionate about growing perfect-tasting cherries. That’s why we select the best varieties for each location. Plus, we’ve hand-selected orchards in California and Washington that not only produce delicious fruit, but also enable us to supply cherries longer than anyone else – from late April all the way to the end of August.
Stemilt Hill is the essence of Stemilt’s late cherry program – and the primary reason why our cherries stand above the rest. This is the most premium cherry ground in the United States for several reasons:
• Orchards at varying elevations from 700 feet to 3,500 feet above sea level extend cherry season well into August
• Ideal site that remains cool in the hot summer
• Nutrient-rich volcanic soils produce cherries with complex flavors
• Fresh mountain water with modern irrigation
• Numerous acres of organic orchards
• Good mix of classic and new test varieties
• On-site hydrocooling stations and packing facility ensures freshness
Try Stemilt Artisan Naturals and Artisan Organics cherries, naturally-farmed to bring out ideal cherry flavors.