First, let’s talk about their favorite hangout spots. Cherries are total divas about weather. They need cold winters to chill out (literally—they need “chill hours” to set fruit), but they also hate extreme heat.
Think of them as the Goldilocks of the orchard world. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. That’s why you’ll find them in temperate zones around the globe, mostly between 30° and 50° latitude.
Basically, if you live somewhere that gets proper snow but also has a glorious spring, cherries are probably giving you a side-eye. They’re picky, but we love them anyway.
The Big Player: The United States
America is a cherry powerhouse, and no, it’s not all about Washington (though that’s a huge one). Washington State grows a massive chunk of the sweet cherries we eat fresh. We’re talking about 70% of the U.S. crop—no big deal, right?
But don’t sleep on California. They start the cherry party early in spring, with those plump, dark Bings. And Oregon? They bring the tart cherries for pies and jams. Seriously, the Pacific Northwest is basically cherry heaven.
Then you’ve got Michigan, the tart cherry king. Ever had a cherry pie from Traverse City? That’s the stuff of legends. They produce nearly all of the tart cherries in the U.S. A map of Michigan looks like a cherry blossom explosion.
Map Of Where Cherries Grow In The World
International Cherry Hotspots
Now, let’s hop the pond. Turkey is actually the world’s largest cherry producer. I know, right? Who saw that coming? They’ve been growing cherries for centuries, and their climate is absolutely perfect for them.
Italy is another love affair. Think of those tiny, super-sweet Amarena cherries from Bologna. And Spain grows the iconic “Picota” cherries from the Jerte Valley—you’ll see them in little jars, and they’re addictive.
Don’t forget Chile, which flips the script. When it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Chile is having summertime. So they ship us fresh cherries in December. It’s like a cherry miracle for Christmas.
