CMI Orchards‘ Skylar Rae cherries are back on the market, and the harvest is now in full swing, bringing the much-anticipated sweet, crunchy, bi-colored cherries to shelves for a profitable but brief season. With their unique flavor and remarkable origin story, these cherries are quickly becoming a consumer favorite.
According to Sarah Barkley, Domestic Sales at CMI Orchards, demand for Skylar Rae cherries has been increasing every year as more consumers discover “The Sweetest Cherry You’ll Ever Eat.” She explains that these cherries are “extra special” due to their super sweet flavor, juicy texture, and satisfying crunch, which sets them apart from other cherry varieties.
The discovery of Skylar Rae cherries in 2004 by the Toftness family is as extraordinary as the fruit itself. A unique tree was found following a rainbow after the family lost their infant daughter, Skylar Rae. This poignant discovery felt like a gift from nature in her memory.
Troy Toftness, co-owner of the Skylar Rae brand and Tip Top Cherry variety, highlights the increasing popularity and volume of these striking cherries. Skylar Rae cherries are grown by selected growers in the U.S., Chile, New Zealand, and Australia, and their expansion is expected to continue, making them a must-have for retailers around the world.
Toftness emphasizes that the flavor of the cherries is their top priority, allowing the fruit to ripen on the tree until it reaches perfection. “Skylar Rae cherries sometimes develop a unique bronzing, giving the appearance of a sun-kissed tan,” he says. This “caramel glow” is a hallmark of their supreme sweetness, indicating that the cherries have absorbed ample sunshine—a sure sign of the sweetest cherries on the tree.
Despite a January cold snap that initially impacted bud development for higher elevation orchards, the mild winter and consistently warm temperatures that followed resulted in an exceptional bloom. This has led to a high-quality crop of Skylar Rae cherries this year, according to Barkley.
“Cherries inspire excitement year after year, coveted for their limited availability and summer seasonality,” Barkley explains. “Skylar Rae cherries are only around for a few short weeks each year—so get them while supplies last!”
As stated in the press release, the combination of Skylar Rae cherries’ unique flavor, touching backstory, and exceptional quality makes them an exciting addition to any fruit display, ensuring they will continue to be a consumer favorite and a profitable choice for retailers.
CMI Orchards, based in Wenatchee, WA, is one of Washington State’s largest growers, shippers, and packers of premium quality conventional and organic apples, pears, and cherries. The company delivers outstanding fruit across the U.S. and exports to over 60 countries worldwide.
