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 nectarines. Sequoia cherries are the benchmark standard for early season cherries. The name sequoia is a given name for a cherry that was developed to achieve early ripening in temperate climates. Its name has been predominantly used for the proprietary, patented cultivar, Glenred USPP12859.

The sequoia cherry is a remarkably flavorful and deeply colored cherry, considering its early maturing nature. It is similar in size to late season cherries and its shape is trademark true, round and heart shaped with a central score just below the fruit's stem. Its skin is tight, deep red in color, almost purple with a variegated flesh with tones of violet, white and cabernet. Within the flesh the fruit bears a central seed, which adheres loosely to the flesh. The fruit's flavor is both sweet and tart, complex and juicy when fully ripe.

Nutritional Value

Cherries contain anthocyanins, the red pigment inherently found within berries. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that are being heavily researched for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammation and pain reduction.

Serving Ideas

Sequoia cherries are best suited for fresh eating. They pair well with other stone fruit, especially apricots. Other favorable pairings include bacon, burrata cheese, basil, smoked and seared tuna, hazelnut oil, pine nuts, fennel, pistachios, arugula, mild lettuce greens, yogurt, vanilla ice cream and gelato, dark chocolate and berries such as blueberry and blackberry. Sequoia cherries can be used for jams or pickling, though, preferably only if excess fruit is harvested or bought as single fruits yield minimal fruit once pitted, their shelf life is short and the fruit can break down quickly.

Geography/History

The sequoia cherry was developed in 2000 with the intention to create a superior variety while also stretching the length of the cherry season. It is the successful result of a hybridization of Brooks and Tulare cherries. This hybrid allows for a cherry that is both firm and rain resistant AKA crack resistant, qualities that are more often mutually exclusive among cherry varieties. The sequoia cherry grows only exceptionally well in the San Joaquin Valley, a region in which spring blooms early and fruits are allowed to ripen prior to other cherry growing regions.

Seasons/Availability

Sequoia cherries are available in late spring.