Look for firm cherries with bright, shiny skin free from cracks or shriveling. May be round, oval or heart-shaped and color may be light or dark red. Darker varieties are sweeter. DOLE Cherries are always sold with stems attached, providing you with the assurance that there has been no rot or mildew damage in shipment.
Cherries should be washed and refrigerated in a covered container, so that they will not absorb other food odors. Chilling does not reduce the taste! You can keep them at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for a year.
Rinse in cool water and dry carefully. Dark cherries are best for eating from the hand and desserts; sharp-tasting lighter cherries are popular for pies, jams and compotes.
Widespread in Europe and the world’s temperate zones.