How to Pit Cherries

Yumna Jawad

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This is a simple tutorial to show how to pit cherries 4 ways. Learn the easiest way to pit cherries, with and without a knife!

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Pitting cherries might seem like one of those kitchen tasks that’s more trouble than it’s worth, but there’s something oddly satisfying about it. Whether you’re prepping a batch for a homemade cherry pie, tossing them into a cherry smoothie, or just snacking on them fresh, knowing how to remove pesky cherry pits can make all the difference. In this tutorial, I’ll show you 4 ways to pit cherries with whatever you have on hand!

Bowl of cherries after how to pit cherries tutorial.
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Table of Contents

No cherry pitter, no problem! You don’t actually need one to remove the pit. We’ve got the poke method for those who prefer using household items like a straw or chopstick, the slice and twist for a more hands-on approach, the tear method that’s as straightforward as it sounds, and the press method for when you’re in a hurry. Each pitting technique has its pros and cons, but they all share the goal of keeping your cherries looking as good as they taste (well, minus the press method).

Why Learn How to Pit Cherries Without a Cherry Pitter

  • Minimal cleanup. Knowing how to pit cherries by hand is surprisingly less messy than using a cherry pitter. There’s no extra tools to wash, and the cherries actually come out cleaner too because you have more control over the process.
  • Sheer convenience. You can pit as little or as many cherries as you need on the spot without having to search for any tools.
  • Saves space in the kitchen. No need to clutter that tool drawer even more. Learning how to pit cherries at home using common kitchen tools you already have on hand makes your time in the kitchen more efficient.

What You’ll Need to Pit Cherries at Home

Cherries before prepped with stems attached.
  • Cherries: The best cherries to pit at home are round, perfectly ripe, and free from blemishes. Choose cherries with a firm texture, as they are easier to pit without crushing and hold their shape well.
  • Knife: A sharp pairing knife works best here and helps keep the cherry looking nice.
  • Straw or chopstick: If you’re going with the poke method, you’ll need something to help you push the pit through the other end of the cherry.

How to Pit Cherries – 4 Ways

If you love cherries as much as I do, you will love this quick tutorial. I show you how to pit cherries with a straw or chopstick, a paring knife, or your hands. These methods are tried and tested and offer an easier way to pit cherries without any trendy kitchen tools.

Poke Method

  1. Hold the cherry with the stem side facing up. Using your other hand, place a straw, chopstick, or thin pastry tip on the stem side.
  2. Firmly but carefully push through the tip straight down until the pit pops out from the bottom.
2-image collage of poke method: 1 - Hand holding a cherry over a small plate with a chopstick partially pushed through to the bottom; 2 - After pushed all the way through with the pit on the plate.

Slice and Twist Method

  1. Hold the cherry with the stem side facing up. Use a paring knife to cut around the cherry lengthwise, rotating the cherry as you cut around.
  2. Twist the two cut cherry halves, exposing the pit.
  3. Remove the pit with your fingers.
  4. Repeat with the remaining cherries.
4-image collage of slice and twist method: 1 - Hand holding a cherry with a paring knife cutting around it lengthwise; 2 - Twisting the two sides; 3 - Fingers removing pit; 4 - Fingers hold cherry halved without pit.

Tear Method

  1. Hold the cherry with the stem side facing up. Place your thumbs on the stem side and your index fingers on the opposite side. Firmly but carefully pull the cherry apart, ripping it in half.
  2. Remove the cherry pit with your fingers.
2-image collage of tear method: 1 - Fingers holding a cherry and slightly pulling it apart; 2 - Removing the pit with fingers.

Press Method

  1. Place the cherry on a cutting board. Use the flat side of a paring knife to press down on the cherry firmly but carefully.
  2. This will loosen the pit and then you can remove it with your fingers.
2-image collage of press method: 1 - Pressing a paring knife over a cherry sitting on a cutting board; 2 - Cherry on cutting board with pit removed sitting next to it.

Tips for Pitting Cherries at Home

  1. Use a bottle. If using the poke method, consider placing the cherry on top of an empty but sturdy bottle with a narrow opening, instead of between your fingers. The pit will pop directly into the bottle.
  2. Chill cherries before pitting. Pop your cherries in the freezer for about 10 minutes before pitting them. This will firm them up slightly, making them easier to handle without squishing.
  3. Wear kitchen gloves. To prevent your hands from getting stained by cherry juice, wear disposable kitchen gloves.
  4. Keep the tools clean. If you’re pitting a large amount of cherries, keep a bowl of water or a damp cloth nearby to keep your straw, chopstick, or knife clean. This will help prevent cherry residue from building up.

Recipes to Make with Cherries

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cherry varieties to pit at home?

Any variety of cherries will work, but sweet cherries like Bing, Ranier, or Black cherries are best for their large size. Tart cherries like Morellos tend to be a little softer than the sweet varieties so it may be a little tedious pitting them.

What is the best way to pit cherries without a cherry pitter?

The good news is that it’s entirely possible to pit cherries without special tools. My favorite and least messy method is the poke method using a straw, chopstick, or pastry tip. But you can also pit cherries with a paring knife or tearing it open with your hands. Experiment with these techniques to find the best method for you.

How do I store pitted cherries if I don’t use them right away?

Pitted cherries should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for future recipes. Simply spread the pitted cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Hand holding a chopstick with 2 cherries on it and pushing the pit out of a 3rd cherry over a cutting board with pitted cherries in a bowl in the background.

Knowing how to pit cherries by hand without special tools is a valuable skill to have in your cooking. It opens up a world of delicious opportunities, allowing you to easily include fresh, seasonal cherries in your favorite recipes without relying on trendy kitchen gadgets.

More Fruit Tutorials:

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Hand holding a chopstick with 2 cherries on it and pushing the pit out of a 3rd cherry; cutting board with pitted cherries next to pits in the background.
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How to Pit Cherries

This is a simple tutorial to show how to pit cherries 4 ways. Learn the easiest way to pit cherries, with and without a knife!
No ratings yet
Author Yumna Jawad
Servings 1.5 servings
Course Ingredient, Snack
Calories 191
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cherries stems removed
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Instructions

Poke Method

  • Hold the cherry with the stem side facing up. Place a straw, chopstick or thin pastry tip on the stem side. Firmly but carefully push through the tip straight down until the pit pops out from the bottom. You can also place the cherry on the top of an empty bottle with a narrow opening, instead of between your fingers.

Slice and Twist Method

  • Hold the cherry with the stem side facing up. Use a paring knife to cut around the cherry lengthwise, rotating the cherry as you cut around. Twist the two cut cherry halves, then remove the pit with your fingers.

Tear Method

  • Hold the cherry with the stem side facing up. Place your thumbs on the stem side and your index fingers on the opposite side. Firmly but carefully pull the cherry apart, ripping it half. Remove the pit with your fingers.

Press Method

  • Place the cherry on a cutting board. Use the flat side of a paring knife to press down on the cherry firmly but carefully. This will loosen the pit and then you can remove the pit with your fingers.

Equipment

Notes

Storage: Store pitted cherries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for future recipes. Simply spread the pitted cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months. 
Tips: 
Use a bottle. If using the poke method, consider placing the cherry on the top of an empty but sturdy bottle with a narrow opening, instead of between your fingers. The pit will pop directly into the bottle.
Chill cherries before pitting. Pop your cherries in the freezer for about 10 minutes before pitting them. This will firm them up slightly, making them easier to handle without squishing.
Wear kitchen gloves. To prevent your hands from getting stained by cherry juice, wear disposable kitchen gloves.
Keep the tools clean. If you’re pitting a large amount of cherries, keep a bowl of water or a damp cloth nearby to keep your straw, chopstick, or knife clean. This will help prevent cherry residue from building up. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 191kcal, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Potassium: 671mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 194IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Ingredient, Snack

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