What makes the Orondo Ruby so special?

The flavor, the texture...and more! Since 2011, we've worked with WSU-TFREC who have studied the quality attributes of the Orondo Ruby, Bing and Rainier cherry varieties. And, we're excited to share the results!

• MORE FLAVOR: Orondo Ruby has on average 19% higher soluble solids than Rainiers.
• EVEN MORE FLAVOR: Titratable acidity for the Orondo Ruby is 47% to 58% higher than Rainiers and approximately the same as Bings.
• CRISPIER BITE: Orondo Ruby is 9% to 21% firmer than Bings and 12% to 25% firmer than Rainiers.
• LESS VISIBLE MARKINGS: Orondo Ruby has on average 2.2 times higher blush coverage than Rainiers.
• BETTER SHELF LIFE: Orondo Ruby has 59% and 56% fewer cracks and 61% and 79% less severe skin marking than Bings and Rainiers, respectively, after packing and storage.

We love how the Orondo Ruby compares. What do you think? What do you notice when you bite into a fresh Orondo Ruby?

Update from the Orchard, April

Spring has arrived in the Wenatchee Valley and with the explosion of beautiful white blossoms in our orchards, it's safe to say Orondo Ruby cherry harvest is around the corner. This year's bloom came early, due to an unseasonably mild winter and as a result, we're expecting an early June harvest. 

While we are excited about Orondo Ruby cherries coming early this year, we first must let the bees do their work. Our bees have been busy pollinating our orchards in Wenatchee and Orondo - one of the most important tasks in orchard country. 

Spring time is an amazing time of year. With the local hills filled with wildflowers and the orchards exploding with beautiful spring blossoms, we're ready for cherry season. Cheers to all things spring and the countdown to the season's first Orondo Ruby cherries!

Tracking Down the Orondo Ruby Cherry

Tracking Down the Orondo Ruby Cherry by Real Food Traveler, July 2014

"...a cherry that is both sugar sweet and also tart."

Check out Real Food Travelers blog post about sending their veteran food/travel writer and RFT Ski & Dive Editor Yvette Cardozo to Orondo, Washington, find out what the story is about this new cherry that’s making waves around the country. How do they taste? Can you cook with them? Are they really worth all the buzz?

Read the full article

Orondo Ruby Cherries: Big, Complex Flavor by Real Food Traveler

Orondo Ruby Cherries: Big Complex Flavor by Real Food Traveler, July 2014

"Well, summer just got a bit sweeter with Orondo Ruby Cherries..."

Check out Real Food Travelers blog post about a blind taste test where the Orondo Ruby stands up to Bing and Rainers!

Read the full article

Meet Cam Clennon - Utility Player

It seems as though every organization has a utility player - a member of the team that dabbles in a little bit of everything. Meet Cam Clennon, the Orondo Ruby team member who is equal parts analyst, equal parts operations, and equal parts “we need some of this” person.

As analyst, during harvest season Cam pays close attention to the production of each block of trees. The data collected during harvest is integral to understanding the growth of our cherries, and how to improve each block in seasons ahead. An abundance of information is also critical to the development of next season’s projections - a painstaking task led by Cam each year.

Despite the number crunching, you’ll also find Cam with his “boots on the ground” at the packing shed, or out in the orchard. From helping out with packing, shipping and other orchard operations, Cam earns his utility title with earnest.

Cam’s depth in the Orondo Ruby cherry business also suits him perfectly as a liason between the marketing side of the house and the growing and operation side of things. Bridging the gap between the two can at times be more art than science - something Cam is perfectly suited for.

When not in the orchard or in the office, Cam enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and soon to arrive baby boy. Whether it’s camping, boating or spending time in Chelan with family, Cam enjoys the recharge of taking advantage of family time.

Growing cherries is a diverse, challenging and rewarding work experience. Cam’s diverse skill set and fun-loving personality is a valuable part of our team. We all love what we do; growing Orondo Ruby cherries for all of our great customers. Thanks for being a part of our adventure. Cheers to summer! Cheers to Orondo Ruby cherries!