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Everyone knows Washington grows the sweetest cherries. But how does a notoriously fickle fruit tree flourish and produce record harvests in the semidesert eastern half of the state?

LEGEND HAS IT that Lucullus, the ancient Roman general renowned for his extravagant feasts, met a tragic end when he reportedly took his own life after he realized he had eaten the last of his cherished supply of cherries. He simply couldn’t stomach the thought of a life without the sweet crimson fruits. Nearly 1,500 years later, King Charles V of France planted over 1,000 cherry trees in his gardens at St. Paul and Tournelle. While the details of these tales remain uncertain, one thing is clear: the allure of cherries has captivated hearts throughout history. Fast forward to the present day, and the enchantment surrounding these delectable fruits continues to flourish in the bountiful orchards of Washington state.