297660 Wed Jun 30 18:59:57 -0700 2004 5 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1643537 It seemed like the season was short (at least here in northern California), the prices are all over the place, from $2.99 to 8.99/pound, but the bottom line is that they all seem indifferent. They don't have any crunch, and they don't have much flavor. I've tried the farmer's markets and all the reliably good grocers around here. Mostly I've tried bings, which I like, but I've also tried Raniers, not my favorites, but I just keep hoping. Is it just me? Wed Jun 30 18:59:57 -0700 2004 0 Judith Hurley 1 1643541 I think it is short also. Cherries from Goldbud farms in the Placerville area were finished two weeks ago and they signal the end of season to me. They were also not as plentiful as former years. I do know that some almond growers were complaining that there was a small crop this year due to lack of pollination because of rain at the wrong time (I think) and the plants are related so that might be a reason. Wed Jun 30 21:09:07 -0700 2004 1643537 0 wally 1 1643546 In Southern California I have been eating cherries for a couple of months so far this year. The first bag was OK but every other bag has been some of the best that I have ever had. Bing Cherries. One night I was watching TV and eating cherries and nearly at the entire pound. The ranch market that I buy them at has been charging $1.50 a pound. Wed Jun 30 22:38:53 -0700 2004 1643537 0 Just Larry 2 1643548 I bought some cherries at a Farmer's Market near Lincoln Center in NYC a couple of weeks ago for a few bucks a pound. Just ok. Today I bought some at my Latino market in New Rochelle, NY for .99/lb. and they are terrific. Lots of them have the conjoined twin. Each twin equally delicious. I don't know where they're grown. Wed Jun 30 22:55:19 -0700 2004 1643546 0 Pat Hammond 3 1643563 They are probably from Southern California if they are a sweet cherry with a twin. The twin results when cherries are grown in an area that is warmer than it prefers. Very common here. Our cherries have terrific at the farmer's market. $3/pd and organic Thu Jul 01 12:21:56 -0700 2004 1643548 0 JudiAU 1 1643555 Next year you might try looking for Brooks cherries. I think they're an early variety so perhaps it's too late now. However, when I was buying them early in the season (in SoCal) they were the snappiest cherries I've ever had. Pretty tasty. And here's a link to an article by the W.Post on this year's season and some varieties. Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A54429-2004May25.html Thu Jul 01 10:45:36 -0700 2004 1643537 0 ks