Cherry Pitting
MMFEC Cherry Pitting Service
Streamline Your Cherry Harvest with Our Commercial Service
Your Partner for a Bountiful Cherry Season
Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center is gearing up for another busy cherry harvest, and our seasonal Cherry Pitting Service is ready to help local growers, food entrepreneurs, and families streamline their process. Whether you are managing an orchard, prepping a big backyard yield, or just need a reliable place for your small batch, MMFEC is here to make cherry season smoother and more productive for you.
What We Offer
- Commercial Cherry Pitting: Top-tier equipment for efficient pitting.
- Freezing & Bagging: Option to freeze and bag your cherries for extended freshness.
- Dehydrating: Dehydrate your cherries for an additional fee, perfect for snacks or long-term storage.
- Clean, Certified Space: Work in a clean, certified food processing environment.
- Flexible Scheduling: Book a time that matches your unique harvest window.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Our team guides you through every step of the process.
- Optional On-Site Storage & Packaging Tips: Get advice and options for market or home use.
Pricing
- Cherry Pitting, Bagging, and Freezing: $1.05/lb. for 1000+ pounds
- Dehydrating: Additional $4.15/lb.
- Self-Pitting Option: Pit them yourself for a flat hourly fee (contact us for details).
Detailed Processing Pricing
| Quantity | Bagged, Boxed, Frozen | Buckets |
|---|---|---|
| > 1000 lbs. | $1.05/lb. | $0.90/lb. |
| <1000 lbs. to > 500 lbs. | $1.15/lb. | $1.05/lb. |
| < 500 lbs. to > 250 lbs. | $1.25/lb. | $1.10/lb. |
| < 250 lbs. | $1.75/lb. | $1.65/lb. |
| Cherry Dehydrating: 48 hour minimum Process Time - $4.15 per pound Additional cost | ||
Processing Requirements
- The producer must reserve or schedule service with Jennifer Ruggless, MMFEC Administrative Assistant, prior to bringing in fruit.
- Fruit must be cooled prior to arriving at MMFEC
- Cherries must be milked (no stems)
- Fruit must be clean and void of decay/infestation
Facility Space & Equipment Rentals
Our facility offers floor space and equipment rental for independent Cherry pitting and processing.
Producers pitting their own cherries must be trained on equipment, uphold our food safety policies and procedures, and observe the same processing requirements as stated above.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cherry Pitter and Processing Line - Self-use | $80/4 hour (4 hour minimum) |
| Freezer Storage | $50/pallet per month |
Why Book with MMFEC?
By booking with MMFEC, you cut down your processing time, reduce waste, and keep your kitchen mess-free. Our service is open to all, including growers, producers, and home canners. If you want to spend less time pitting and more time enjoying the best of cherry season, let’s connect.
Reserve Your Time Now!
Now booking spots in advance. Reserve your time before the rush and see how Mission West can help you make the most of every cherry.
Spots are limited. Reserve your time now before they’re gone!
Reserve Your Pitting TimeCommunity Cherry Pitting Day
Cherry season is a celebration in Western Montana, and nothing brings our community together quite like Cherry Pitting Day at MMFEC. On August 2 from 8 AM to Noon, join neighbors, friends, and fellow cherry lovers for a hands-on, fun, and productive experience. For just $25 per 20 lbs (minimum 20 lbs, max 100 lbs), you will get professional pitting, expert support from our MMFEC team, and a lively social atmosphere.
This event is perfect for families, home bakers, small growers, and anyone looking to process a large cherry haul without the mess or hassle. Bring your cherries, enjoy the camaraderie, and leave with your fruit ready for pies, preserves, or freezing.
We always fill up fast, so early registration is recommended.
Make the most of cherry season and see how MMFEC can support your food goals all year long.