Cherries, fruits of the Prunus genus, are cultivated globally, but production is concentrated in specific geographical areas due to demanding environmental needs. The two main types grown commercially are the sweet cherry (Prunus avium), favored for fresh consumption, and the tart or sour cherry (Prunus cerasus), primarily used in processing. These stone fruits require a distinct set of climatic and soil conditions to thrive, limiting large-scale commercial production to temperate regions with cold winters. This geographical selectivity creates a global supply chain where different regions dominate the market for specific cherry types and seasons.
The Specific Climate Cherries Require
Cherry trees need a period of cold dormancy during the winter season to stimulate proper flowering and fruit development in the spring. This requirement is measured in “chilling hours,” the total time spent at temperatures typically between 32°F (0°C) and 45°F (7.2°C). Most traditional cherry varieties, particularly sweet cherries, require between 800 and 1,200 chilling hours to break dormancy effectively.
The transition from winter to spring is a time of high risk for cherry cultivation, as the delicate blossoms are highly susceptible to frost damage. A late-spring freeze during the bloom period can significantly reduce or even eliminate the annual harvest, making regions with reliably frost-free spring conditions highly valued. Ideal growing locations also feature well-drained, deep loamy or sandy loam soils, as cherry trees struggle in heavy clay or wet conditions that can lead to root rot. Dry weather is necessary during the final ripening and harvest period, because excessive rain near harvest time can cause the fruit to absorb too much water and split.
Global Centers of Sweet Cherry Production
Sweet cherries are the variety most commonly consumed fresh and dominate the global trade market. Turkey is consistently one of the world’s leading producers, often accounting for a significant portion of the total sweet cherry output due to its favorable climate. The country’s primary cultivar, ‘Ziraat 0900,’ is highly regarded for its size and resistance to cracking, making it a major export.
The United States is another major global producer, with cultivation concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Washington, Oregon, and California. Washington state leads the nation in production, specializing in popular sweet varieties like Bing and Rainier. The Pacific Northwest’s temperate climate, with its dry summers, is ideal for growing high-quality, firm sweet cherries.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Chile has emerged as a significant player, providing fresh sweet cherries when Northern Hemisphere production is out of season. Chile’s harvest occurs from November to January, allowing it to dominate the counter-seasonal global export market, particularly to Asian countries. Other notable producers include countries in Central Asia, such as Uzbekistan, and European nations like Spain and Italy. China has also significantly expanded its cherry orchards, rapidly increasing its domestic and international market share.
Key Regions for Tart Cherry Cultivation
Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus), also known as sour cherries, are distinct from their sweet counterparts, being more cold-hardy and primarily grown for processing into juice, dried fruit, or baking ingredients. These cherries are typically found in regions with climates more severe than those suited for sweet cherries.
In the United States, production is heavily centralized in the Midwest, with Michigan dominating the national supply. Michigan produces approximately 75% of the total US tart cherry crop, largely the Montmorency variety. The state’s concentration of orchards along Lake Michigan benefits from the lake-effect climate, which moderates winter temperatures and helps prevent early spring frosts.
Eastern European countries are major global centers for tart cherry cultivation. Poland is a significant producer, with its robust climate well-suited to the cold-tolerant nature of these fruits. Russia and Ukraine are also key contributors to the global supply of tart cherries, where the harvest is largely directed toward industrial uses. Iran is a notable producer, contributing a substantial volume that includes both sweet and tart varieties to the global total.