Chelan Fresh Offers Limited Supply of Orondo Ruby Cherry Variety

Chelan Fresh has a limited supply of the Orondo Ruby cherry, which is destined for a few select retail markets.

Fourth generation grower Marcus Griggs first discovered the Orondo Ruby cherry on his family’s Washington orchard in 2008. He discovered a tree that yielded an entirely different variety from his other cherries. The cherry matured earlier and tasted sweeter than the tree’s native variety

Griggs rolled up his sleeves and went to work planting thousands of new trees to deliver Orondo Ruby to the masses. 

The Orondo Ruby has higher acidity and sugars than a Rainier or Bing, making it much sweeter. It has a crisper skin than its counterparts, and stores better and longer than most cherries. A 28-day storage test showed the Orondo Ruby had firmer skin, fewer blemishes and split less than other cherry varieties. 

The only apparent downside to this little blush treasure is its short growing season, meaning a limited supply each summer. But, as more trees mature each year, the yield and distribution will grow.

Orondo Ruby cherries will hit shelves starting around June 20.