All cherries are members of the family, Prunus and are descendents of the wild cherry, Prunus avium. They are classified as stone fruits, alongside apricots, plums, peaches and almonds. The brooks cherry is a hybrid of the Burlat and Rainier cherry, combining positive attributes of both parents with independently advantageous characteristics resulting in early maturing fruit with superior flavor. The brooks cherry is classified as a sweet cherry. Sweet cherries are self-incompatible so pollination is absolutely essential for production. The honey bee is the chosen main pollinator.

The brooks cherry has all the trademark characteristics of cherries: rounded glossy firm fruit with an intense red flesh that will stain to the touch. Though, when fully ripe, its coloring is more like a black cherry, it has been compared to the Bing in quality and flavor. It has a well balanced sweetness with both rich complex flavors and a perfectly sweet tart blackberry-like finish.

Nutritional Value

Red fleshed cherries inherently contain anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that are being heavily researched for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammation and pain reduction.

Serving Ideas

Brooks cherries are best suited for fresh eating. They pair well with other stone fruit, especially apricots and almonds. Other favorable pairings include bacon, burrata cheese, basil, smoked and seared tuna, hazelnut oil, pine nuts, fennel, pistachios, arugula, mild lettuce greens, yogurt, mascarpone, vanilla ice cream and gelato, white and dark chocolate and berries such as blueberry and blackberry. Brooks cherries can be used for jams or pickling, if excess fruit is harvested. They have a relatively short shelf life, thus they should be eaten within a few days of being picked.

Geography/History

The brooks cherry was developed at the University of California-Davis and released to the public in 1987. It is an early season cherry whose ability to tolerate hot climates has allowed the cherry season to be extended up to a month earlier in California. At Murray Family Farms, during the hot days of December and January winter months, they run sprinklers to lower the tree and ground temperatures to prevent the cherries from blossoming early and experiencing any early unnatural season.

Seasons/Availability

Brooks cherries are available in late spring.