Cherries are an iconic Michigan food. Michigan cherries fall into two general categories: tart and sweet. Nearly all (98%) of the tart cherries grown in the U.S. are one variety, Montmorency, and they are primarily processed by drying, freezing or canning. Michigan also produces sweet cherries, which are generally consumed fresh, though some are frozen or canned.
Facts about Michigan Cherries
- Michigan is the top producer of tart cherries in the United States with about three-fourths of the country’s total production.
- Tart cherries have anti-inflammatory properties from antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins.
- It takes 6–8 pounds of fresh cherries to make one pound of dried cherries.
- Keep frozen cherries at 0°F or below until ready to use.
- Cherry trees bear fruit for 25 years or more.
Featured Cherry Recipes
Promote Michigan products by using these marketing materials in your institution's cafeteria or menus
Cultivate Michigan Resources
- Window decal (PNG)
- Poster - 8 1/2" X 11" (PDF)
- Poster - 8 1/2" X 14" (PDF)
- Poster - 18" X 24" (PDF)
- Cultivate Michigan Sourcing Guide
Michigan Cherry Slurp Event Resources
- Event Organizing Toolkit: This toolkit has loads of ideas for hosting and promoting your event along with and tastings, inviting the media and legislators, and even a few cherry smoothie recipes.
- Shareable Graphics: Promoting your event is easy with our suite of graphics!
- Sourcing Information: Find local sources for Michigan cherries in our Cultivate Michigan Sourcing Guide.
- Webinar: Watch this Event Overview Webinar for some creative ideas as you start planning.
Print
Email