Experience the Finest Tart Cherries Northern Colorado has to Offer, Only at Scofield Fruits.
Scofield Fruits: The Best Source for Tart Cherries in Northern Colorado
If you’re searching for the finest tart cherries in Northern Colorado, look no further than Scofield Fruits in Loveland, Colorado. For decades, our family-run fruit stand has proudly offered top-quality Montmorency and Balaton tart cherries to customers across the region.
Whether you’re an experienced baker, a home canner, or someone exploring the many health benefits of tart cherries, we’re your trusted source. We specialize in fresh, seasonal produce, with tart cherries being one of our most beloved summer offerings.
Tart Cherries: Bold Flavor, Endless Possibilities for Northern Colorado
Tart cherries, also called pie or sour cherries, offer an intense flavor and brilliant red color. Unlike sweet cherries, tart varieties bring a sharp, tangy taste perfect for baking, preserving, and cooking. Their balanced acidity complements both sweet and savory recipes.
At Scofield Fruits, we offer Montmorency and Balaton tart cherries, two standout varieties known for flavor, color, and quality. Our cherries are picked at peak ripeness and transported quickly from our partner orchards to ensure maximum freshness.
Tart cherries are seasonal and in high demand. We encourage customers from across Northern Colorado to pre-order and join our Fresh Tart Cherries List to secure their fruit early.
Montmorency Tart Cherries: America’s Favorite
Montmorency is the most widely grown variety of tart cherry in the United States. Recognizable by their bright red skin and firm, juicy flesh, Montmorency cherries deliver a vibrant tartness that shines in baked goods and preserves.
These cherries are perfect for:
- Cherry pies and cobblers
- Homemade jams and jellies
- Cherry sauces and reductions
- Refreshing juices and smoothies
Montmorency cherries are also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They’re a natural source of melatonin and anthocyanins, making them a favorite among wellness-conscious consumers.
Whether you’re baking a classic cherry pie or preparing cherry-infused drinks, Montmorency cherries are a flavorful, healthful choice.
Balaton Tart Cherries: A Bold, Rare Alternative
Looking for something richer and deeper in flavor? Balaton tart cherries are a Hungarian variety that’s less common in the U.S. They feature a darker red hue and a more robust, slightly sweeter taste.
Balaton cherries are ideal for:
- European desserts and pastries
- Cherry-glazed meats like pork or duck
- Fruit wines and liqueurs
- Fresh eating and snacking
Because they’re less widely grown, Balaton cherries are harder to find, especially in Colorado. That makes them a special treat when they’re available at Scofield Fruits.
Tart Cherries and Your Health
Tart cherries aren’t just delicious, they’re packed with nutrients. Research has shown numerous health benefits associated with regular tart cherry consumption.
Rich in Antioxidants:Â Tart cherries contain anthocyanins and polyphenols. These powerful compounds help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
Natural Sleep Aid:Â Montmorency cherries are one of the few natural sources of melatonin. Drinking tart cherry juice may improve sleep duration and quality.
Exercise Recovery: Many athletes use tart cherry juice for muscle recovery. Studies show it helps reduce soreness and speeds healing after intense workouts.
Heart Health:Â The anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherries may lower the risk of heart disease and support healthy cholesterol levels.
Adding tart cherries to your diet is an easy, flavorful way to support long-term wellness. Whether you juice them, eat them fresh, or bake them into meals, they offer more than just taste.
Culinary Uses of Tart Cherries
Tart cherries are one of the most versatile fruits in the kitchen. Their bold flavor pairs well with sugar, chocolate, citrus, wine, and herbs. Chefs and home cooks alike enjoy their flexibility in both sweet and savory dishes.
Popular Culinary Uses:
- Baking: Tart cherries are a staple in pies, crisps, tarts, and muffins. Their acidity balances sweetness for a rich taste.
- Preserving: Make your own jams, jellies, chutneys, or syrups. Tart cherries preserve well and taste great all year.
- Juices and Smoothies: Add tart cherries to drinks for a nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened beverage.
- Savory Pairings: Use tart cherries in meat glazes or to add depth to stews, sauces, or grain bowls.
No matter how you prepare them, tart cherries bring complex flavor and eye-catching color to every dish.
Northern Colorado’s Tart Cherry History
Though we now source our tart cherries from Utah, Northern Colorado has deep roots in cherry farming, especially Loveland. In the early 20th century, the region was home to the largest tart cherry orchards west of the Mississippi.
The crown jewel was Spring Glade Orchard, located just west of Loveland. At its peak, it produced more than $1 million in tart cherries annually, a remarkable sum for the time.
Summers were marked by cherry harvests involving the entire community. Families, migrant workers, and even schoolchildren worked the orchards, while local canneries processed thousands of pounds daily.
Sadly, the industry declined in the 1950s due to late spring frosts, rising land costs, and urban development. By the 1970s, large-scale cherry farming had vanished from the region.
At Scofield Fruits, we honor that legacy by offering premium tart cherries every summer. Though they are no longer grown locally, we remain proud stewards of Northern Colorado’s cherry tradition.
Sourcing the Best Tart Cherries
Today, we proudly source only the best from our top-tier grower in Utah, a partner we’ve worked with for decades. This long-standing relationships ensures we maintain the highest priority and receive consistently high-quality Montmorency and Balaton tart cherries year after year.
Our trusted grower harvests at peak ripeness and handles each batch with care, delivering fruit that meets our high standards. Thanks to thispartnership, we’re able to offer the finest tart cherries in Northern Colorado, season after season. Once harvested, these cherries are packaged and promptly shipped directly to our Loveland stand for limited seasonal sales of fresh cherries. Frozen cherries are then available for the year.
We offer cherries that are:
- Freshly picked and quickly chilled
- Available in pitted or un-pitted form
- Packed in 8 lb, 27 lb, or bulk (600+ lb) quantities
- (NOTE) Un-Pitted, 27 lb, and bulk cherries are only available FRESH – BY ORDER ONLY!
Fresh cherries are available by pre-order only, starting around June 1st each year. Orders must be picked up at our stand within a three-day window. We do not ship fresh cherries.
Frozen Tart Cherries Available in Northern Colorado
Missed the fresh cherry season? Don’t worry. We also offer frozen tart cherries all season long in convenient sizes:
- 8-pound buckets
- 2-pound bags
Frozen cherries preserve all the flavor and nutrition of fresh fruit. They’re perfect for smoothies, baking, and sauces year-round.
Order Tart Cherries in Northern Colorado
Our cherry season is short, so don’t wait. To get notified when orders open, join our Fresh Tart Cherries List.
Subscribers get early access to order information, pickup windows, and updates about availability. Signing up ensures you won’t miss out on these seasonal treasures.
We’re proud to serve communities across Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, Berthoud, Windsor, and beyond. Whether you’re a long-time customer or visiting for the first time, we look forward to sharing the cherry season with you.
Why Choose Scofield Fruits?
- Family-Owned Since 1985
- Four Generations of procuring and selling the freshest fruit
- Regionally known for Quality, Freshness, and Seasonal Variety
- Located in Loveland, CO. Â Serving All of Northern Colorado
From our family to yours—thank you for choosing Scofield Fruits for your tart cherry needs.
