Coral Champagne Cherries
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
This item was last sold on : 05/31/25
Description/Taste
Coral Champagne cherries are considered a large varietal with a uniform round, ovate, or cordate shape. The fruits have peaked, sloping shoulders and a curved base, and are attached to slender, fibrous green stems. The cherry’s skin is smooth, glossy, and taut, ranging in color from vibrant red to dark red-purple, almost black. The skin is also thin and somewhat tough, creating a snap-like consistency when consumed. Underneath the surface, the flesh is dark crimson red and has a firm, crisp, aqueous, and succulent consistency. The flesh also encases a central pit that should be discarded during consumption. Coral Champagne cherries are known for their high sugar content and low acidity, creating a sweet, subtly tart, and tangy taste. The variety is edible raw once ripe and has a fruity, sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Coral Champagne cherries are available in the late spring through early summer, typically between late May and early June.
Current Facts
Coral Champagne cherries, botanically classified as Prunus avium, are a sweet cherry variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The early to midseason cultivar was developed in the 20th century through a University of California breeding program and eventually became a choice commercial cultivar for its large size and sweet taste. Coral Champagne cherries grow on compact trees reaching 4 to 9 meters in height and are a heavy-bearing, easy-to-pick variety. The cultivar is known for its low chill hours, only needing around 400 per season, while most other commercial cherries require at least 700 hours. This low chill requirement has led Coral Champagne cherries to become one of the most produced cultivars in California, and they thrive in warmer areas where cherries are traditionally harder to grow. Coral Champagne cherries are sought by chefs and home cooks for their versatility and ability to be used fresh or cooked in sweet and savory culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
Coral Champagne cherries have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Cherries, in general, are a source of anthocyanins, colored pigments naturally found in the fruit with antioxidant properties to reduce inflammation and protect the body’s overall health. Cherries also provide fiber to improve digestion and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K to maintain healthy organs, guard the cells against free radical damage, aid in faster wound healing, and strengthen the immune system. Other nutrients include minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Calcium and phosphorus support bone and teeth development, while iron develops the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream. Magnesium also helps the body control nerve functions, potassium balances fluid levels, copper produces connective tissues, and manganese supports metabolism.
Applications
Coral Champagne cherries have a sweet, subtly tart flavor suited for raw and cooked preparations. The variety is known for its large size and is valued as a fresh-eating fruit. Coral Champagne cherries are halved, pitted, and tossed into green and fruit salads, or used as an edible topping over breakfast dishes like parfaits and oatmeal. The cherries are also blended and frozen into homemade sorbets and ice cream. Beyond using the fruits sliced or whole, Coral Champagne cherries are incorporated into smoothies, limeades, and other beverages. Coral Champagne cherries are also simmered into jams, compotes, and preserves or cooked into sauces for both sweet and savory dishes. Cherries can be served with meat mains or roasted as a simple side. They are also baked into crisps, cobblers, cheesecakes, rolls, bars, pies, and tarts. Coral Champagne cherries pair well with herbs such as mint, rosemary, basil, and sage, nuts like pistachios, almonds, and walnuts, and meats including duck, pork, and beef. Whole, unwashed cherries should be immediately consumed when ripe. The fruits will also keep for a few days when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Coral Champagne cherries are one of seven cherry varieties developed in the Wolfskill Experimental Orchards at the University of California Davis. The orchards are named after John Wolfskill, a horticulturist and rancher who owned the property before it became the research orchard in the late 19th century. Wolfskill spent a large portion of his life growing plants on his property and contributed to the legacy of California as a leading state in agriculture. The first 108 acres of Wolfskill’s property were donated to the university in 1934, and another 48 acres were gifted by the Wolfskill family several years later. Since 1934, the University of California Davis has been breeding and evaluating new fruit varieties, including cherries, at these orchards. The most famous cherry release from the program was Brooks, which helped pave the way for Coral Champagne cherries and other early-season varieties to enter California markets as commercial and home garden cultivars.
Geography/History
Coral Champagne cherries were developed in the 20th century through the University of California Davis breeding program. The variety's history is somewhat debated. It is thought that the initial cross of the cultivar was bred sometime during the 1950s. Later in the 1960s, cherry breeder Paul Hansche joined the university’s program and began improving cherry selections. The cherry program was discontinued in the early 1970s, but university researchers continued to study and evaluate Hansche's previous cherry crosses into the 1980s. Coral Champagne cherries were never officially released from the program, but germplasm of the variety was given away by University of California Extension farm advisor Ross Sanborn to growers throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. Sanborn was also believed to be responsible for the variety’s name, Coral Champagne. From the late 20th century into the early 21st century, Coral Champagne cherries increased in popularity among commercial and home growers, especially in the San Joaquin Valley of California, and eventually became one of the top-grown varieties in the state. Today, Coral Champagne cherries are grown in California, Washington, and Oregon. The variety may also be grown as a specialty fruit tree in home gardens worldwide. The Coral Champagne cherries featured in the photograph above were sourced through Barbagelata Farms, a family-operated farm based in Linden, California.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Coral Champagne Cherries. One
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