![]() The Grand Traverse Region produces over 50 percent of Michigan's annual tart cherry crop, or about 100 to 120 million pounds. Tart cherries are seldom sold fresh. They generally are canned or frozen shortly after harvesting. The main variety of tart cherries is called the Montmorency. It has been in the U.S. for more than a century because it is best for pies, preserves, jellies, juice and other products. The Grand Traverse Region produces about 80 percent of Michigan's annual sweet cherry crop, or about 50 million pounds. Michigan produces these varieties of sweets; Emperor Francis, Napoleon and Schmidt. The majority of Michigan's sweet cherry crop is processed. The main product made with sweets is maraschino cherries. But, while driving through Northern Michigan you can find sweet cherries at a local supermarket, farm market or roadside stand. ![]() Michigan's tart cherry orchards extend north from Benton Harbor all the way to Elk Rapids. Located in the middle is the Grand Traverse Area, which is the heart of cherry country. Most of Michigan's sweet cherries come from the Grand Traverse Area. Traverse City, located in Grand Traverse County is nationally known as the "Cherry Capital of the World". July is when both tart and sweet cherries ripen in Michigan. The third week of July is usually the peak time to harvest. The national cherry festival is held in July every year to celebrate the cherry industry Northern Michigan. It is a week long festival held in Traverse City. |