Sunset Foods's Guide to Peak-Season Cherries

When you choose cherries, size directly impacts flavor and value. At Sunset Foods, we are committed to providing only the best, which is why we focus on size. We recently confirmed the difference firsthand; our cherries are consistently larger, offering you more sweet fruit and less pit per pound. This dedication to quality ensures every cherry you buy from our produce department is plump, juicy, and delivers the superior taste of a true peak-season harvest.

The Sunset Foods Difference: Why Our Cherries Are Bigger and Better

The size of a cherry is more than just a visual cue; it's a direct indicator of its quality and the value you receive. At Sunset, we've always known our commitment to sourcing results in a better product for our customers. To quantify this, we took at trip to a competitor to measure their cherries vs ours. The results confirmed what we see every day in our produce department. Using a cherry development index chart we measured the size of our competitors cherries which measured at 11.5 row vs ours which measured at 9 row. The 'row' measurement is an industry standard where a lower number signifies a larger cherry. Sunset sells 9 row cherries, offering customers a larger cherry than the competition. This isn't just about appearance. This means you are paying for more pits at the competitors and you get more fruit at with larger cherries available at Sunset. Our goal is to maximize your enjoyment and ensure every dollar you spend goes toward delicious, edible fruit.

How Sunset Foods Ensures Peak-Season Quality from Orchard to Aisle

Our promise of larger, better cherries begins long before they arrive in our stores. The process starts with a strict sourcing standard. We only buy extra large cherries from our supplier, setting a high bar for quality from the very first step. This ensures a baseline of excellence and consistency that our customers can depend on throughout the season. Once the cherries arrive at Sunset, our dedicated team takes over. Our in-store standards are just as rigorous as our sourcing requirements. We train our staff to check and cull cherries that do not make the cut. This hands-on inspection is crucial for maintaining the quality you expect from us. Our team members are skilled in identifying fruit that meets our criteria for size, color, and firmness, ensuring that only the best cherries make it to the sales floor.

This meticulous process, from the supplier to the aisle, guarantees that the cherries you take home are the very best of the season's harvest, every single time.

Beyond the Bowl: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Peak-Season Cherries

Those beautiful, extra large cherries are perfect for eating fresh, but their rich flavor also shines in a variety of recipes. From savory salads to decadent desserts, cherries add a sweet and slightly tart element that can transform a dish. We've gathered a few of our favorite cherry-inspired recipes to help you make the most of the season.

Cherries pair wonderfully with savory flavors. This Marinated Steak with Sweet Corn & Cherry Salad is an ideal summer meal, combining the richness of grilled steak with the bright, fresh notes of corn and cherries.

For a show-stopping dessert, this Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a must-try. The combination of sweet cherries, salty pistachios, and creamy cheesecake creates a truly memorable final course.

For something truly special, try these Drunken Cherries. They require about six months to age, so you can use this summer's bounty to get a head start on your holiday gift-giving. The vodka-soaked cherries are perfect for cocktails or as a topping for desserts.

Ready to taste the difference for yourself? Stop by and visit Sunset's Produce Department today.