Bing is the most famous sweet cherry in North America, originating in Oregon in 1875 in the orchard of Seth Lewelling, who named it after a Chinese-born foreman named Ah Bing. It quickly became the commercial standard and still dominates fresh-market production on the West Coast. The large, heart-shaped fruits ripen to a deep mahogany-red, nearly black, with firm, meaty dark-red flesh and rich, sweet, classic cherry flavor. Bing is self-unfruitful and requires a compatible pollinizer such as Rainier or Van, and it can be prone to fruit cracking after rain near harvest. It performs best in dry summer climates with sufficient winter chill. Bing remains the benchmark by which other dark sweet cherries are judged.
Flavor Profile
Rich, full, classic sweet cherry flavor; firm meaty dark-red flesh with high sugar and balanced acidity.
Visual Characteristics
Large heart-shaped fruit ripening deep mahogany-red to nearly black, with dark red flesh.
Growing Tips
Self-unfruitful; plant a compatible pollinizer such as Rainier or Van. Prone to rain cracking, so favors dry summer climates.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.