The cherry season is short, especially here in Western New York where we expect the harvest to last just a few weeks starting in early July. However, the U.S. is the second largest producer of cherries in the world.
Bittner-Singer Orchards
When you bite into a crisp local apple from FreshFix, there’s a good chance it came from Bittner-Singer Orchards—a family farm rooted in generations of dedication to growing some of the best fruit in Western New York. Located in Appleton, NY along the fertile Lake Ontario shoreline, this orchard has been a cornerstone of local agriculture for decades, supplying fresh apples, cherries, and stone fruit that reflect both tradition and innovation.
The Bittner family has been farming in the region for over a century, and today their partnership with the Singer family continues that legacy. Together, they’ve built a thriving orchard that’s become one of the largest family-owned fruit farms in the Northeast. But don’t let their size fool you—at the heart of Bittner-Singer is still the hands-on care, stewardship, and love for farming that started it all.
Their growing philosophy blends old-fashioned know-how with forward-thinking techniques. The farm practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a science-based approach that reduces pesticide use by monitoring pests carefully and using natural solutions whenever possible. They also invest in new orchard plantings—denser, trellised rows that make harvesting more efficient while reducing environmental impact. This thoughtful approach not only improves the quality of the fruit, but also helps sustain the land for future generations.
What can you expect from Bittner-Singer? Their apples are the star, with varieties ranging from Honeycrisp and Gala to classic Empires and Cortlands. They also grow cherries, peaches, and plums, adding sweet bursts of flavor to Western New York summers. By supporting them through FreshFix, you’re not just getting the freshest seasonal fruit—you’re helping preserve farmland and support a family business that feeds our community.
When you choose Bittner-Singer fruit, you’re casting a vote for local agriculture, sustainable farming, and generations of expertise. It’s more than an apple—it’s a story of family, land, and the taste of home.
Keep the stems on and store unwashed cherries in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep them cool as their flavor and texture degrade if they have been exposed to warmth. Ripe sweet cherries will last for 2-3 days in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Wash cherries with cool water before use.
Cooking Ideas
- Freeze separated cherries on a cookie sheet and then pack in bags for freezer storage.
- Cherries can be made into a syrup for topping pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Use your blender to make cherry "drinks" such as smoothies or coolers. Don't forget to remove the pit!
- Bake sweet cherries into cakes, cookies, and muffins.
- Enjoy a cherry sauce as a glaze over ham.
- Add dried cherries to oatmeal or yogurt.
- Try cherry chicken salad!
Chicken with Cherry Wine Sauce | Grilled Camembert with |
Ingredients 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (8 ounces each) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 7 tablespoons butter, divided 2/3 cup dry red wine 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pitted dark sweet cherries, thawed Directions
From Taste of Home | Ingredients 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries, halved 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 (5-inch) wheel Camembert cheese (about 8 ounces), at room temperature Cooking spray 32 table water crackers Directions
From Cooking Light |
Arugula and Cherry Salad with Goat Cheese and Candied Pecans
CANDIED PEPPER PECANS
1 cup pecans
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon butter
FRESH CHERRY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
1/3 cup fresh BC pitted cherries, packed
3 tablespoons avocado oil (or another neutral flavored oil)
1 1/2 tablespoons white balsamic (or sub apple cider vinegar)
A pinch of sea salt
ARUGULA AND FRESH CHERRY SALAD
10 ounces baby arugula
2 cups pitted BC cherries, cut in half
2 ounces goat cheese (sub a diced avocado for paleo and vegan)
Directions
- Toast the pecans in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Once they begin to brown and smell fragrant, add the maple syrup and black pepper to the pan and stir until the pan is mostly dry. Remove the pan from the heat, add the butter and mix it through the pecans. (The butter prevents them from being too sticky.) Transfer the pecans to a piece of parchment paper in a single layer and let them cool.
- Place the Fresh Cherry Vinaigrette ingredients into your blender and blend on high until smooth. Feel free to double or triple the recipe to have extra!
- Add the baby arugula, fresh cherries, goat cheese or avocado, and the candied pecans to a large salad bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss to coat.
Cherries are good for us! They are rich in antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help regulate body’s circadian rhythms. Sweet cherries are fat free and sodium free and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. They stabilize blood sugar, promote better sleep and post-workout recovery and reduce inflammation.

