Work with small amounts (3 to 5 pounds) of Northwest fresh sweet cherries to allow for quick handling and freezing. Select firm, ripe Northwest sweet cherries.
Rinse and drain cherries thoroughly. Pack according to preferred method and freeze immediately.
Method 1
Whole with stems: Spread cherries with stems intact in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm. Pack into freezer-proof containers or plastic freezer bags; remove excess air, cover or fasten tightly, and freeze.
Method 2
Dry Sugar Pack: Add 1/3 cup sugar for each pint of pitted or unpitted fresh sweet cherries; toss lightly to coat cherries. Fill freezer containers or bags; shake to pack fruit. Add more cherries to fill containers or bags. Cover tightly and freeze.
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