Are Rainier cherries your all-time favorite? Then you’ve got to give the Orondo Ruby cherry a try—sweeter and firmer than Rainiers!
📋 What's New In This Post (7/11/25) - Updated store listings.
An Improved Rainier Cherry
Back in 2011, I was just starting to get my feet wet with cherries. I had tried my first Rainier cherry the year before and was drawn to their sweetness—and the bonus that they don’t stain your hands or clothes like the darker varieties do. That’s a big plus when you have kids!
Then in July of that year, while shopping at my local Kroger, I spotted some cherries that looked like Rainiers but had a different name on the label. Naturally, I had to buy them and give them a try.
Here’s a photo of that very first container of Orondo Ruby cherries:
I fell in love with them at first bite. And what a bite it was - super crisp skin surrounding a cherry that is sweet but not without the acidic that gives fruit a delicious, balanced flavor.
Let me share with you what I know about this cherry - its history, its season, and where to find them at.
Origin of Orondo Ruby
Orondo Ruby was a chance discovery.
Marcus Griggs of G&C farms came across a tree in his Rainier cherry orchard that was producing fruit not quite like his Rainier cherries. These cherries had more intense red color to them. The skin was more crisp and the flavor was sweeter. This lucky discovery became the Orondo Ruby, named after the area in which the cherry orchard is.
I have looked up pictures of that area. It is just beautiful and a great place to grow cherries. I want to go there right now! Can you imagine walking through that orchard, enjoying the crisp air, while plucking the Orondo Ruby right from the tree and into your mouth. Now that my friends is my idea of a good life.
Difference Between Orondo Ruby and Rainier
Here is what I find to be different about Orondo Ruby:
- From a looks standpoint, Orondo Ruby is a bright ruby red color with some gold coloring. The Rainier is not as bright of a red color and tends to have more of the gold undertone. Orondo ruby is a Rainier with the color intensity turned up.
- In terms of what's inside the cherry - it is both sweeter than Rainier as well as being more acidic. That is the perfect recipe for more flavor. If you are a Rainier fan you have to try Orondo Ruby.
When in Season
📅 Picking usually begins in late June. They hit stores shelves in early July.
They have a really good shelf life as compared to cherries, so they can last longer at the grocery store. There is a limited supply though. They are only grown on the Griggs family orchards and distributed by Chelan Fresh. I love that they are a family thing.
Look for them in July and don't hesitate to pick them up when you see them as they might be gone the next time.
Where to Find
Kroger has been my number one source over the years for Orondo Ruby. I have been to a Fred Meyer store this season - they are owned by Kroger - and didn't see any. But I did find them at Safeway this year. Sprouts is another store to look for them at as I have seen them there in the past.
If you find Orondo Ruby cherries in you area, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below, telling us the store and the city and what you think about them.
Skylar Rae Cherries
Another cherry that is a chance finding with a really charming story is the Skylar Rae cherry. It's similar to Orondo Ruby and Rainier, but I actually think they have even better flavor than Orondo, so you should be looking for them too. They come out at the same time.
If you want to know when the best fruit varieties are in season, be sure to sign up for my email list below. You’ll get all that info sent straight to your inbox—so you never miss a thing!
Marie
I found some at the Buford Highway Farmer's Market in Atlanta, GA in excellent condition. Only a couple of bruised ones.
Jessica
I found some at the Safeway in Springerville Arizona. Perfect condition, what a treat for this cherry lover! Astonishing find for this little mountain desert town!
Eric Samuelson
Glad you found them! And thanks for sharing.
Tom S
Found them in a Cub store (Super-Valu company) in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota with the Chelan Fresh label on them. Very good flavor and texture.
Eric Samuelson
Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear you liked them.
Lori M
I got some at the Sprouts Market in Pinole, California (outside of San Francisco). They are fresh and tart.
Eric Samuelson
Surprised there were tart. Normally they are on the sweet side.