The season of Rainier cherries — La saison des cerises Rainier

July 16, 2009

Rainier cherry red currant crumble

After one single bite into the plump fruit, I fell in love.

I had not seen Rainier cherries before I moved to the US. Where I am from in France, we grow des cerises noires (black cherries) and des cerises aigres (sour cherries) , delicious and juicy, especially those I am able to pick and eat right from the cherry trees. But Rainier cherries have a je-ne-sais-quoi that takes any variety of cherries a step up. They are sweeter and with their yellow orange hue, seem to be smiling and beaming like the sunshine at sunset.

rainier cherry

Rainier cherries

I remember that when my father and I talked over the phone one Sunday sometime in June, he had told me that their cherry trees were so heavy with fruit that every day during an entire week, he filled buckets with delicious overly ripe fruit, which incidentally made every neighbor and friend stopping by happy as he gave the buckets away. C’est une année à fruits (It’s a good year for fruit), he had carried on, explaining at length how they were going to use the fruit. My father likes to talk about those things too.

My parents worked as a team: while my father was busy with the picking, my mother made jams and filled bags for the freezer. Then, she used the leftovers in clafoutis and tarts.

“Il y aura encore des cerises et des groseilles quand on vient ?” (Will there still be cherries and red currants when we come?) I eagerly asked when, a few weeks later, we chit chatted about this and that as we were — are — getting ready for our upcoming stay with them.

“Ah non ma grande, ça malheureusement c’est déjà fini!” (Oh no, that’s unfortunately already over!)

They knew well that I was going to be disappointed to hear that. This time of year is so special!

So instead, I indulged in Rainier cherries and all the other pretty fruits rouges (red berries) that summer offers here too, and that I am such a fan of. And then fairly quickly, I forgot that I was jealous of my parents’ cerisiers (cherry trees) and cherries and red currants. I could have a taste too and c’est mieux que rien ! (It’s better than nothing!)

I’m sure you know that Rainier cherries come from Washington State, and are a cross between the Bing and Van varieties. Since these jewels have appeared in my local store, I never seem to have enough of them. In fact, every time I buy a bag, I have a plan to cook something cute and scrumptious with them, but they rarely seem to make it into a dish.

Rainier cherry red currant crumble

Rainier cherry and red currant almond crumble

Instead, we love to eat them nature.

I like to wash a few handfuls and keep them in a bowl on the kitchen island. I look at them and they make me smile. They are a favorite snack every time I walk by — and I’d walk around with pits in my mouth. At other times, P. and I enjoy them in a fruit plate after dinner, with a little cane sugar sprinkled on top, and a large bowl of sheep plain yogurt and homemade granola on the side.

It’s nice and simple but so rewarding. It makes us rejoice in summer, especially if we are able to eat sitting outside, with the grass brushing against our feet, and nothing to worry about but enjoy the moment — and the fruit.

But on some days, these summer fruit really inspire me to prepare a more elaborate dessert or a salad.

Like these two recipes.

My first idea was to bake a fruit crumble. P. and I really love crumbles! Do you too?

A crumble is one of many comforting everyday desserts so easy to make, one that always seems to welcome any seasonal fruit wonderfully. It does not matter whether the fruit isn’t the prettiest; it’s always going to be tasty in a crumble. In this recipe for example, I combined Rainier cherries and red and white currants and I tossed them in cane sugar and lime juice. Then, I topped the fruit with a mixture made with almond meal, quinoa flour, butter, brown sugar and a generous amount of nuts. With the sweetness of the cherries balancing the tarter taste of the currants, the dessert bursted with flavor. I think that like P. and I, you’ll fall in love with it!

Then on that same day, as I was about to prepare my lunch, I thought about adding Rainier cherries in a crunchy fennel and radish salad. I completed the dish with my favorite soft goat cheese and freshly chopped chives picked in the garden. It was delicious and refreshing, so much so that I made more to accompany our dinner the next day. A recipe that is a real keeper.

And when I was done with my bag of cherries and boxes of currants, I walked to the store to buy more.

I am sure that you’ve already noticed that I am just addicted. It shows and I cannot help it.

Be aware, it’s contagious.

Rainier cherry and red currant almond crumble

(For 4 crumbles)

For the fruit:

  • 1 lb + 2 oz Rainier cherries, pitted and halved
  • 7 oz red currants
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons blond cane sugar

For the almond crumble:

  • 1/2 cup quinoa flour (65 g)
  • 1/2 cup almond meal (60 g)
  • 1/2 cup brown Muscovado dark sugar
  • 3 tablespoons walnuts, chopped coarsely
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, chopped coarsely
  • 7 tablespoons butter, room temperature but not soft
  • Confectioner’s sugar, to serve

You will probably have leftovers of the crumble topping. Freeze it and keep it handy for future uses. You’ll be thankful for leftovers.

Steps:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flours, almond meal, sugar and nuts. Add the sugar and then the butter. Pulse to obtain coarse crumbles.
  • In a bowl, combine the fruit ingredients; set aside. Butter 4 ramekins and coat with sugar.
  • Preheat the oven at 400 F.
  • Divide the fruit between the ramekins and top with the crumble. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbly and the top is golden brown in color. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioner’s sugar.
Fennel and radish salad with Rainier cherries and goat cheese

(For 2 people)

You need:

  • 1 fennel bulb, finely sliced (use a mandoline)
  • 4 pink radishes, finely sliced (use a mandoline)
  • 2 oz fresh soft goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • 12 Rainier cherries, pitted and halved
  • Olive oil
  • Lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • Salt and pepper


Steps:

  • In a non-stick frying pan, roast the pine nuts on medium heat until fragrant and lightly brown; set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine the fennel, radish, goat cheese and cherries.
  • Season with salt and pepper and drizzle generously with lime juice (or lemon) and olive oil.
  • Add the chives and pine nuts, and toss before serving.
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    Tagged as: Appetizers , Dessert , Food & Travel , Fruit , Gluten Free , Vegetarian
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    66 Comments »

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    1. There have been cherries everywhere. So sweet and yummy. Decadently delicious desserts!

      Comment by The Duo Dishes — On July, 16th, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    2. That looks delicious, as always!

      I was wondering if you could perhaps list a couple of your must have cookbooks and magazines. I’ve been bitten by the cooking bug and would love some reading material.

      Thank you!

      Comment by Zoe — On July, 16th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    3. I’m trying to eat as many berries as I can before they go out of season. They all have such rewarding health benefits!

      Comment by Cooking With Dia — On July, 16th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    4. We just picked up some of these beauties at last weekend’s farmer’s market in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago… they were gone within 1 day. They are much loved in our home and we are looking forward to picking up some more this weekend!

      Comment by Michele — On July, 16th, 2009 at 8:54 pm

    5. I love the photos in the grass!! and this is a prettylooking berry crumble!

      Comment by peachkins — On July, 16th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    6. Yet they look like Monmorency cherries to me…

      Comment by Nathalie (Spacedlaw) — On July, 17th, 2009 at 1:23 am

    7. I dont know Rainier cherries, they look tastefully

      Comment by chapot — On July, 17th, 2009 at 2:13 am

    8. Je finis de lire le message et je pousse un long soupir… de bonheur. Je ne sais pas si ce sont les cerises, la beauté des photos, toute cette lumière, l’idée d’un crumble, mais tout semble parfait!

      Comment by Mélanie — On July, 17th, 2009 at 2:28 am

    9. this cherries look very tasty… and funny indeed! summer fruits makes me happy, ’cause it’s sunny and coloured and sciented… thanks for sharing this deep and serious addiction!!!
      Hugs :)

      Comment by chiara.u — On July, 17th, 2009 at 3:28 am

    10. We have a very similar to Rainier cheries variety here in Greece, it might be exactly tha same actually! We call them “petrokerasa” (“stone-cheries”), because they are more “crispy” that the other varieties, and we eat them nature or bring them into confit, which is great with yogurt or vanilla ice cream and on cheesecakes. Your photos are beautiful!

      Comment by Dimitra — On July, 17th, 2009 at 3:55 am

    11. Oh. I am aware. !!! I WILL be trying that yummy salad later.

      And was cooing over the fact that the City Super here in Hong Kong had Washington Cherries, Driscoll’s raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. I’ve been spending inordinate amounts on those fruits, but…oh, I’m missing home (US) fruits!

      Comment by Jenn — On July, 17th, 2009 at 4:14 am

    12. ah the salad! that i will definitely have to try. beautiful images full of light. gorgeous post bea!

      Comment by Aran — On July, 17th, 2009 at 6:52 am

    13. I know these cherries from Germany and they are indeed a very nice treat. I love all your pictures by the way, they always make my mouth water.

      Comment by Franziska — On July, 17th, 2009 at 7:36 am

    14. I’ve been seeing Rainier cherries all around me lately and was thinking what to do with them besides eating them straight up. this crumble looks thoroughly addictive! Love that adorable fork with the mod-floral design.

      Comment by veron — On July, 17th, 2009 at 7:41 am

    15. Hi Bea,

      I’ve eagerly waited for your cherry post! :) Everything looks beautiful as always, but oh the crumble – yes I LOVE crumbles! Yesterday I bought another (small) punnet of Rainiers and that might sadly be my last for this year. Hopefully I can make something with them again, only if I can save some from going straight into my mouth… (that’s the hardest part, isn’t it?)

      Comment by chika — On July, 17th, 2009 at 8:38 am

    16. Depuis que je les ai découvertes, j’adore aussi les cerises Rainier, elles sont vraiment délicieuses. Je craque aussi pour ton crumble qui devrait être dégusté très bientôt chez moi.

      Comment by Miss Diane — On July, 17th, 2009 at 9:02 am

    17. Rainers have just come into my market this week. Now I know what I will be making with them! Thanks!

      Comment by fresh365 — On July, 17th, 2009 at 9:28 am

    18. J’ai aussi du mal à utiliser les fruits dans des préparations: ils sont tellement bons tout seuls! Mais cette salade m’a l’air vraiment tentante: je n’aurais jamais pensé mettre des cerises avec du chèvre!

      Comment by Valérie — On July, 17th, 2009 at 9:32 am

    19. Both of these look amazing – esp. the salad! Must make toute de suite! :)

      Comment by nicole — On July, 17th, 2009 at 10:17 am

    20. Great photos! The stones fruits are so plentiful this year, yes? We have Flathead cherries in my part of the world. Delicious!

      Comment by valérie-jeanne — On July, 17th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    21. [...] hanna shared You: The season of Rainier cherries — La saison des cerises Rainier | La Tartine Gourmande [...]

      Pingback by Moonlit Minds @Moonlit Minds — On July, 17th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    22. I literally finished my last bunch of Rainier cherries only moments ago. Wish I had read this post beforehand and I would have crafted your salad. Oh well…now I have an excuse to buy more. ;)

      Comment by Jennifer — On July, 17th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    23. Just finished my last Rainier and off to the store for more.I just knew I didn’t buy enough on the first try today. We’ll have the crumble on Sunday!

      Comment by Jim Sprauda — On July, 17th, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    24. …”smiling and beaming like the sunshine at sunset.”…the perfect words. Though I love Rainier cherries as well, I was just in Paris and had my first taste of those black cherries mentioned – heavens, I was hooked. I walked around the city with a black-stained mouth and teeth for 5 days.

      Comment by Michelle @ www.PorktoPurslane.com — On July, 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    25. I’ve certainly been eating my sharea of rainier cherries! Very nice photographs!

      Comment by Hillary — On July, 17th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    26. Oh yes, Rainier cherries are one of our state’s greatest contributions to the food world! You may notice that they are more red than usual this year – it’s because of all the sunny weather we have been having in the Northwest. I think they taste better than ever!

      Comment by Dana — On July, 17th, 2009 at 4:01 pm

    27. I have never thought of combining cherries with currants, it’s sounds wonderful! Although I’m fortunate enough to grow both Rainier and Red currants, we are yet to yield very good quantities, I never get beautiful long strands of red currants like those in your photos! Still, it will be no surprise Béa, that I can’t wait for summer down here!! xxx

      Comment by Bron — On July, 17th, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    28. I adore Rainier cherries, too. And I, too, did not know of them until I moved in the US. They are delicious indeed and mine never get cooked, but these recipes for the crumble, and ESPECIALLY the salad look amazing! Beautiful!

      Comment by Eralda — On July, 17th, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    29. [...] The season of Rainier cherries — La saison des cerises Rainier | La Tartine Gourmande (tags: blog food) [...]

      Pingback by links for 2009-07-17 at DeStructUred Blog — On July, 17th, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    30. I love Rainier cherries. They are one of my favorites. My biggest problem with cherries is that I enjoy eating them raw so they never make it into anything….I see you have that problem too:)

      Comment by Nutmeg Nanny — On July, 17th, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    31. Bea, every one of your beautiful posts makes me want to run to my stove and start cooking. The almond crumble looks fantastic – and the currants you have in your photos just make my mouth water. I may need to take a shopping trip for some cherries today! Thank you for another beautiful post.

      Comment by Natalie Y. — On July, 18th, 2009 at 10:56 am

    32. Your beautiful pictures combined with lovely prose has inspired me to buy Ranier cherries *today*…or made me fully jealous of said cherries, and has forced my hand into giving up and giving into them, no matter the price.

      Which ever, I’d say these beautiful, multicolored fruits are in my future. Thank you.

      Comment by Dana aka Gluten Free in Cleveland — On July, 18th, 2009 at 11:31 am

    33. Great combinations. I typically would only think of fairly standard desserts for cherries, e.g. crumble, Black Forest cake-esque flavours, and slices. But I love the savoury spin. Delicious!

      Comment by Julia @ Mélanger — On July, 18th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    34. I too love cherries, and even though they are quite expensive here, I indulged and bought some this week..I haven’t done anything with them – I just love to eat them fresh from the fridge, and I also walk around with the stones in my mouth!!! I might try the crumble if there are some left…

      Comment by Jo — On July, 18th, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    35. I love Rainier the best too! They are so sweet and happy looking. I moved to Washington state from the south (Louisiana) where we don’t grow cherries. I don’t even remember seeing them in stores until recent years. The first time I ever ate a fresh cherry was in France! I was visiting Mont -Ste-Michel and we bought some fruit in a nearby town to eat while there…I still remember that new taste sensation. I’ve been hooked ever since!

      Comment by Suzy — On July, 19th, 2009 at 1:23 am

    36. I agree with your dad : it’s a great year for fruits ! I had tons of blackcurrant and redcurrant but your Rainier cherries are so cute, love their color ! The crumble looks absolutely delicious ! PS : I’m crazy about your plastic cutlery (the orange spoon, the grey fork…) where did you find it ???

      Comment by Maybe — On July, 19th, 2009 at 7:38 am

    37. Have you cooked rabbit with a cherry and red wine sauce? We’ve had tons of cherries here in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, so we’ve had to be creative in using them. Cerises à l’alcool, clafoutis, confitures, canard aux cerises, lapin aux cerises, tartes aux cerises… et puis ça nous arrive de les manger comme ça, sans faire des chichis.

      Comment by Ken B. — On July, 19th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    38. Oh I love these pictures, they are so divine. I just went cherry picking out in WA, the trees are just full of them. They are so beautiful and delicious. I can’t wait to try those recipes. They look scrumptious!

      Comment by Becca — On July, 19th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    39. splendid color~ so yummy !

      Comment by YOYO love cooking — On July, 19th, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    40. The salad sounds divine! Love the photo of the cherries in the window.

      Comment by sarah — On July, 19th, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    41. Thanks for explaining where these rainier cherries come from! I had seen them before and was wondering why I could never find them here, but now I know… Probably not to be found in this part of the world! Fabulous photos and that crumble looks delicious!

      Comment by Simone van den Berg — On July, 20th, 2009 at 1:46 am

    42. I just ate a whole bag of Rainier cherries. My faavorite~!

      Comment by MY LIFE IS YUMMY — On July, 20th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    43. What a great blog! I would love to add one another as followers. Just our trying to network with other creative souls, artists, and designers!

      Comment by Loma — On July, 20th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    44. I’m not entirely sure, but I think that’s the type of cherry tree my parents have. Unfortunately, most of the fruit is eaten by wildlife (neighbourhood children included).

      j

      Comment by jasmine — On July, 20th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    45. On dirait le même thème que chez Aran?

      Comment by Miss B — On July, 20th, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    46. Thanks for the recipe ideas. I never know what to do with them!

      Comment by El — On July, 21st, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    47. I always stayed away from the Rainier Cherries because I did not think hey would be good and then one day I tried one – wonderful. These are great recipes and beautiful as always!

      Comment by Carol, SImply...Gluten-free — On July, 21st, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    48. All the photos are just so vibrant and stunning. I also now have a huge craving for these delicious cherries!

      Comment by Kelli — On July, 22nd, 2009 at 7:39 am

    49. Those currants in the first photo are just the most beautiful things! I had never thought to make a crumble with cherries for some reason, but I heartily endorse the cherry and goat cheese combo!

      Comment by Laura — On July, 22nd, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    50. I had never tried Rainier Cherries before this year. They are so incredibly delicious. I must try the crumble it looks delighful!

      Comment by Kate — On July, 22nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm

    51. Pardon my non-food comment, but I just wanted to say that your photography is absolutely stunning. All the best Dani

      Comment by Daniela Restrepo — On July, 23rd, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    52. I wondered if Rainier cherries made there way across the states! I’m in Seattle. Thank you for a great crumble recipe idea – I’m eager to try it – I haven’t used quinoa flour yet. I just made a cherry pie with Washington cherries – a mix of Bing and Rainier (and um, some other assorted fruit for good measure). Have a great summer!

      Comment by Erica — On July, 23rd, 2009 at 11:02 pm

    53. i’m in the seattle area too…and we do love our rainier cherries! your crumble sounds and looks just perfect for these special, special cherries!

      Comment by {kiss my spatula} — On July, 24th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    54. Absolutely wonderful post!

      The cherries are so colorful and lit so beautifully.

      Very nice.

      Comment by Taylor Young — On July, 27th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    55. you should visit seattle in July! There are always 5 different varieties of cherries at the farmer’s market, the raniers have just hit their peak. Had some attikas this weekend that were a beautiful dark purple, sweet, and popped in your mouth.

      Comment by hungrygrrl — On July, 27th, 2009 at 10:17 pm

    56. Thank you everyone. I promise to be back soon with more….

      Comment by Béa — On July, 28th, 2009 at 1:02 am

    57. Your photos are really great! Things seems so tasty! My spoon nearly tried to reached out some of your little crumble!

      Comment by Zoé — On July, 30th, 2009 at 7:41 am

    58. hello, it’s my first time reading your blog, as a chocolate lover and someone who loves baking, everything looks great and definitely yummy =)

      Comment by karen — On July, 31st, 2009 at 8:22 am

    59. [...] when rainier cherries start to appear. (lovely images above are from one of my favorite blogs, La Tartine Gourmande. You must read her latest post.) I remember seeing them for the first time at The Market in [...]

      Pingback by CHERRY SEASON + SWEET BLESSINGS « Lara Casey — On July, 31st, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    60. Bonjour! i’m so in love with ur pictures!

      Comment by wahdi — On August, 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 am

    61. [...] thought I wouldn’t find red currants, as suggested by my dad, but I was excited to discover that the bush in my parents’ back garden was still heavy with [...]

      Pingback by Memories of a French summer with a red currant almond tart | La Tartine Gourmande — On August, 10th, 2009 at 4:25 am

    62. Loved this post! It’s so wonderful to see the joy that a seemingly simple fruit can bring! And I love all the uses for Rainier cherries although they are perfect to eat plain too. I enjoyed the lovely pictures and absolutely must try making the fruit crumble. Have you thought about setting up a http://www.proprofs.com/polls/ poll for your readers? I find them helpful also fun for voting!

      Comment by Meghan Porter — On August, 11th, 2009 at 11:48 pm

    63. i have been eating cherries for years and this year all that was at the market was Rainier cherries. I thought they must not be good because of the color. I was use to the dark red ones. Well I got them anyway and now I am hooked! While at the market I lit up when I found them hidden away in a corner away from the dark red cherries. While we were checking out and the cherries came down the belt my eyes once again lit up and I was smiling from ear to ear. The cashier said to me Oh you must like cherries and I responded with ” you have no idea, please be careful with them”

      Comment by bobbye — On August, 20th, 2009 at 4:21 pm

    64. In this magnificent cherry season, I think it just to note the passing of a very special man.

      Harold Fogle.

      Never heard of him, you say? Well, get down on your knees, point yourself toward Washington state, and get ready to express your deepest gratitude in any way that is meaningful to you.

      In 1952, at age 31 while working at the University of Washington, Harold Fogle cross-pollinated the Van and Bing cherries. The result?

      The Rainier cherry.

      So bless you, bless you Dr. Fogle, for your exquisite gift to humanity (and to birds, who regularly ate all of our Rainiers despite the best pan-banging efforts of a certain six-year old). Rest in peace.

      Comment by jonk — On August, 21st, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    65. We adore these, too! Trader Joe’s sometimes has the dried ones, which we scoop up we see them, and send them a loved one who is a Marine, currently in Afghanistan. Like you said- c’est mieux que rien!

      Comment by xine — On September, 13th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    66. [...] SToRy and ReCiPe on La TaRtin3 GoURMandE. [...]

      Pingback by La sAiSon dEs cERisEs RAiNiER « VinKA LEoNa — On September, 27th, 2009 at 3:30 am

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