Chelan Fresh

Most store-bought pears will be firm and often need to be ripened a little before eating. But what is the best way to ripen pears at home? For starters, make sure to select firm, unblemished pears with zero bruises or torn skin for best results. Also, avoid refrigerating unripe pears as it can stunt their ability to ripen. Here are our three principle methods for ripening pears: The slow method: Kitchen counter  Pears will happily ripen on your kitchen counter in 4-7 days. Place them in a bowl and check on them regularly to see when they’re ready to eat.  The [...]

Pears are wonderful in the summer! Their refreshing juiciness and crisp texture make them an ideal snack on a hot day. Pears can also be used in a variety of recipes that are perfect for the warmer months as well as backyard barbecues and family gatherings.  Here are our favorite pear recipes for summer:  Pear cucumber gazpacho Chilled and refreshing, this savory cold pear and cucumber soup is just the ticket. Make a big batch and impress the crowd at your next barbecue!    Frozen pear Bellini Delicious and icy cold, you’ll want more than one of these gorgeous frozen pear Bellinis. Here’s a little [...]

People forget that you can freeze and store cherries simply and easily! Our farmers have worked hard this season to produce a bountiful cherry crop and Chelan Fresh cherries are readily available for at least one more month! The cherries this season are big and sweeter than ever! Now is the time to buy those cherries and continue to enjoy them immediately or freeze some for later this fall. Contact your Chelan Fresh sales representative to ensure your cherry program lasts well into August. 509-682-4252. Here are a few tips for freezing cherries. Steps to freeze and store cherries: Purchase extra quantities [...]

Cherries love nothing more than to accompany a beautiful cheeseboard. Their sweetness and juiciness contrast beautifully with many types of cheeses, and their bright hues add a pop of color. There are many ways to enjoy cherries with cheese: raw, pickled, cooked in a jam, tossed in a salad, etc. The possibilities really are endless, so have fun with it.  Here is a guide for which cheeses pair well with cherries: Hard/salty cheeses: Cherries add a healthy dose of freshness to aged and salty cheeses. Try them with aged gouda, cheddar, manchego, pecorino, asiago, or gruyere. Soft/salty cheeses: Say hello to cherries [...]