Choose & Use MLF Cherries
Red, black and white MLF sweet cherries can be stored in the refrigerator
for a week or more if the fruit has been picked with stems attached, and if
the fruit is carefully sorted for damage such as cracked or soft spots. When
storing for fresh eating, cover the cherries with plastic wrap or a lid to
prevent drying out.
DO NOT WASH BEFORE STORING. If possible, process cherries the same day
for freezing or canning. Do not leave cherries in a hot car for several
hours.
There are many varieties of MLF sweet cherries. The proper color at
maturity is determined by the specific variety. Ask your picking supervisor
what color to look for. White sweet cherries are very fragile and will
develop brown spots if bruised. In sunny weather, their blush may appear red
on the trees, but the inside will be white. Texture is denser than darker
varieties, and flavor is distinctive. Youčll love them.
SOUR CHERRIES are extremely perishable and should be processed the same
day as harvested. Picking sour cherries with stems will cause less damage to
cherries and less juice loss. Do not allow large containers of cherries to
remain in the heat. Cook and process or freeze quickly. Again, do not wash
first.
TO FREEZE: Stem, sort, remove dirt without washing. Pit MLF cherries by
hand or with a mechanical pitter. (We sell them in the market.) Freeze by
dry packing cherries as tightly as possible in a quart jar with a wide mouth
or in vapor proof plastic containers. Leave 1/2-inch headspace. Label the
year.
You can also quick-freeze individual MLF cherries on a cookie sheet, and
then transfer to bulk containers after they harden. Cherries can be washed
before using and to hasten thawing. Adding water before freezing makes them
stick together, and get absorbed inside the cherry where it freezes solid
and breaks down the cherry cells during thaw time.
