Cherry Blossoms Not Just in D.C. … Also in Columbia Valley, Washington State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Holly Oten
Chukar Cherry Company
1-800-624-9544
1-509-786-2591
holly@chukar.com
www.chukar.com


Cherry Blossoms Not Just in D.C. … Also in Columbia Valley, Washington State

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white at Eastertide.

A. E. Housman, 1859-1936

Prosser, WA - Every spring the National Cherry Blossom Festival attracts millions of visitors to our nation’s Capitol, but in southeastern Washington State, the number one producer of sweet cherries in the world, there’s a quiet, gentler profusion of cherry blossoms, a true feast for the eyes.

“This year we are projecting our Washington State cherry trees will bloom early-April,” says Pamela Montgomery, C.E.O. of the Chukar Cherry Company, a producer of gourmet cherry foods, headquartered in Prosser, Washington, the heartland of the Washington State cherry industry.

“This beautiful, bountiful place in the Columbia Valley has the ideal growing conditions for cherries; cool nights, warm days, deep and sandy soil, little rainfall and controlled irrigation. Fresh or dried, these cherries are a year ‘round treat…and cause for celebration,” Mrs. Montgomery explains.

During late winter and early spring at the cherry orchards, emerging fruit buds, waking up from a satisfying nap, must be protected from the cold. If the tiny buds are allowed to freeze, the entire cherry crop can be lost.

To protect against freezing temperatures on cold nights, workers leave their warm beds to light the heaters and start the wind machines. Wind machines are towers with propellers at the top. The turning propellers pull down the warm air and mix it with the cooler air close to the ground.

As fruit buds become blossoms, it’s cherry blossom time, and honeybee hives are placed throughout the orchard. “We pray for the temperature to be above 60 degrees so the bees will fly and pollinate the blossoms,” says Mrs. Montgomery, “creating a bountiful crop of cherries.”

“During the month of May, the buds that aren’t pollinated fall to the ground. The surviving buds are hearty and quickly swell to the size of your small finger. With warm weather and cool nights, the green fruit buds ripen and change to a rich, deep red. Mid-June is cherry harvest time, and once again we are busy in orchard and the kitchen,“ says Pam Montgomery.

Chukar Cherries, year round producer of gourmet cherry treats realizes that Cherry blossom time makes mouths water for cherry recipes. From the extensive Chukar® collection, here are two favorites. Dried Bing cherries make a unique salsa.

Prepare ahead to offer with rice, pasta, meat and poultry dishes.

Northwest Cherry Salsa

1 cup (6 ounces) dried Bing cherries*, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Soak cherries in ½ cup water at least 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients. Do not drain. Combine all ingredients, adding salt and a dash of hot pepper sauce, if desired. If time permits, refrigerate 1 hour. Makes ¾ cup. Refrigerate any remaining salsa.

Dried cherries in wine are easy and so special. Nice to keep ready-to-serve in the fridge.

Columbia Valley Wine Cherry Compote

¾ cup (4 ounces) dried Bing or Rainier cherries*
1 cup Yakima Valley Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon wine
¼ cup sugar
2 strips lemon peel
l tablespoon lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring often.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer until cherries are soft and plump, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool, cover and chill. Refrigerate up to 1 week. Serve from a pedestal dish, or in individual glass dessert bowls. Makes 3 to 4 servings.

To order premium fresh Cherries visit Chukar’s online store www.chukar.com, or call 1-800-624-9544 to speak with a sales representative. For more information about Chukar products and Cherry Blossom Season please call 1-800-624-9544 or e-mail holly@chukar.com.

Located in the majestic Pacific Northwest, Chukar is an award-winning, family-owned and operated, specialty food manufacturer of regional treats, sweets, and gifts; pure fruit jams, savory sauces, dried fruit and nut energy snacks, naturally dried and chocolate-covered cherries, berries, and roasted nuts; The Best of Nature, The Best of Chocolate™. Chukar creates year ‘round delicious foods and luscious gifts for all seasons, all reasons, and all occasions. 100% natural with nothing artificial added. KOF-K certified. For award winning gifts and quality service, visit www.chukar.com or call 1-800-624-9544 to speak with a customer service representative.