Bite Into Flathead Lake Cherries

Montana is not known for fresh fruit. Vast fields of wheat and barley and some vegetable farms, yes, but not much in terms of fruit. Which is why every year I look forward to that first bite into a juicy Flathead Lake cherry.

As the name suggests, Flathead Lake cherries are grown around Flathead Lake in northwest Montana, the largest natural body of water east of the Mississippi River. Cherry orchards thrive here due to the valley’s well-drained soil and cool nights which allow the cherries to recover after long days in the hot sun. Pink and white blossoms in early May herald the coming harvest. Ripe cherries are ready for picking in late July and August. This timeframe is later than other cherry-growing seasons in the Northwest, which only adds to the appeal.

Another appeal of Flathead Lake cherries is the growers. Few large-scale operations exist with many orchards owned by families who live steps away from their trees. Bruce Johnson with the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers cooperative estimates about 100 orchards are found around the lake consisting of 80 members of the co-op and several more “hobby” growers who together produce around two to three million pounds of cherries each season. Bruce explains that several varieties are grown here including Lapins and Rainiers, but they all fall under the banner of “Flathead Lake Cherries.”

Experience this bounty yourself in a variety of ways on a late summer visit to the Flathead Valley.

Many orchards set up stands along the roadside where you can get a taste, buy cherries in bulk and chat with growers. The majority of orchards are found on the sheltered eastern lakeshore. If you are short on time, drive Highway 35 between Polson on the southern end and Bigfork on the northern end for plenty of opportunities to pick up some cherries.

I make a point to stop every year at Bowman Orchards just south of Bigfork. A family-run operation, the Bowmans have been growing and selling cherries for over a century. Their varieties include bold Bings, delicate Rainiers and sour pie cherries. Escape the heat in their cool warehouse to watch them hand-sort cherries before packaging. They also make and sell several products from their harvest like sweet and dry fruit wines, jams and syrups.

Just a few miles south, indulge in cherries straight from the branch at Cherrywood Orchard where the Sybert family practices regenerative farming focusing on soil health and creating a wildlife-friendly orchard. Sign up for a “U-pick” session on their website to wander among rows of trees heavy with plump red cherries and fill your basket for a picnic on the lakeshore.

Not only do growers take advantage of cherry season. Restaurants, breweries and distilleries across Montana find inventive ways to incorporate cherries into their menus. Glacier Distilling Co. in Coram just outside its namesake national park makes a dizzying array of delicious spirits from the annual crop including Kirschwasser cherry brandy, Cherrycello and Daughter of the Sun liqueur packed with fifteen pounds of cherries in each bottle. Biga Pizza in Missoula keeps the party going all winter with its Flathead Cherry pizza, a sweet and savory explosion of macerated cherries, housemade sausage and creamy gouda cheese.

Can’t get enough? Schedule your visit for the last week in July and attend the annual Flathead Cherry Festival. Party on the streets in Polson while shopping for cherry-inspired art and jewelry, gorging on cherry pie and ice cream and vying for the title of champion cherry pit spitter.

When you go

Glacier Country: glaciermt.com

Bowman Cherry Orchards: bowmancherryorchards.com

Cherrywood Orchard: cherrywoodorchard.com

Flathead Cherry Festival: polsonchamber.com/flathead-cherry-festival