Friday, May 17, 2013

The "Unofficial" Bay Area Cherry Report


It's the post all of you in the Bay Area have been waiting for.  Well at least all of you who are cherry crazy like myself and have been dreaming about this day all winter.  If you were waiting on the post on how-to make ninja cookies; sit tight that one may be coming your way sooner than you think.

I took a drive this afternoon to scope out the fruit situation.  I had been hearing rumors that some of the stands were open and I had to confirm this for myself.  Didn't take long after I got off the main road to see with my own eyes the acres and acres of cherry trees all decked out in ruby cherries.  Where to start is always a consideration.

I stopped at one of my favorites (Maggiore) and was surprised at how few cherries were on their trees.  The girl working told me there should be more ripe soon, phew I will have to check back.

I did notice further down the road most all the orchards were open for cherries.  Bacchini's Fruit Tree not only had Brooks, Utah Giant, and Bing Cherries ready for picking but I saw people walking out with gorgeous blackberries. Making a note to get some of those blackberries stat.

I even crisscrossed over to the other side of town to Sellers Ave. where Nunn Better Fams and Laird are located. Both were open plus Smith Family Farms is right across the street, it's one of my personal favorite stops.

Although it's still very early in the season, it looks like it's going to be a good one due to our very warm spring. It's worth going back and getting more varieties of fruit as the season goes on, but for the cherries; it's get there sooner rather than later.

All that fresh air made me famished, so in order to get my energy back up to write this post for you guys I cut myself a nice size chunk of this super tasty Banana (Vegan) Coconut Bread to accompany my afternoon tea.  So glad I stole this recipe from Jean, I didn't feel guilty at all for eating the whole loaf since it was Vegan.  Although wait a minute, I did swap out the applesauce for 2 eggs because I was out of sauce and added a small amount of chocolate.  Never you mind, I still don't feel guilty for eating it all since it was so good.  


Hope you all enjoy your weekend.  I'll be up late tonight planning my route of cherry attack for tomorrow.  If you need to plan your route of attack go to Harvest4you and download a map.

Gina

15 comments:

  1. I would enjoy my weekend more if I had a few slices of this amazing looking home baked bread!!!!
    I am so glad I follow you for the latest up to date bay area cherry pickin' news...
    I can't wait to pick up my first cherries of the season...I already have a recipe in mind (yum) ;-)

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  2. Your loaf looks so good, I would eat the whole thing too ;). I can't wait for the cherries either, one of my favorite fruits!

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  3. I can't wait for cherries as well. I'll bake so many goodies with it. Your loaf looks delicious.

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  4. Why thank you, intrepid reporter! Based on your findings, it's just a matter of time before they show up on my coast and in my neck of the woods! :)

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  5. Gina,
    You are so lucky that you have all those cherry orchards in your backyard. We have to drive to upper Wisconsin or Michigan to get frsh cherries. I'll just drown my sorrows, eating some of your Banana Coconut Bread!

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  6. I can't wait for the cherry season arrive here! The loaf looks super duper delicious, Gina.

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  7. Love this update (and was so glad to see you get in the jamming spirit immediately)! We want to take Little Man picking but wonder if he's too young? Guess we'll find out :)

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  8. A but of cherry Garcia with this creation and I would fall in love with this dessert :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  9. I wish I had access to cherry trees! Those berries look absolutely gorgeous. I saw the tops of the jam jars on facebook and am now waiting to see the rest. :)

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  10. I've really been looking forward to fresh cherries! I've seen a few in stores, but still outrageously priced. Glad to hear the crop is looking good!

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  11. So glad you told me this! We're going to cherry pick next Sunday with a bunch of friends. I can't wait!!!

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  12. Yep, I'm jealous! I so wish we had cherry trees here! Oh well, I'll just live vicariously through you!

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  13. I love cherries! Especially dried ones. We pick or buy and then dry them ourselves. So delicious in all sorts of things!

    Glad to hear you are doing well Gina!

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  14. We went cherry picking many years ago...the only thing that I remember besides the huge cherries, it was very hot! Which will not be the case of Northern California :)
    Looking forward to do some baking with cherries.
    Have a great week Gina!

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  15. I am cherry obsessed lately! If I had cherries trees I would be in HEAVEN.

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