A Summer Favorite Snack in Montana Might Be Scarce

If Montanans are deprived of this seasonal treat this summer, we might have a problem.

We know the weather in Montana can be ridiculous. We have seen it snow in the middle of the summer and sometimes there is a tornado warning. Montanans deal with constantly changing conditions throughout the year.

It's all a part of living in Montana.

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The weather can be annoying and can affect food and places we enjoy.

When the winters run long, we must wait for certain roads or areas to clear up to go camping, drive, or experience.

Another thing affected is Montana's food crops.

One crop that can be affected by long or harsh winters is Flathead Cherries.

These cherries are unique not only in Montana but the world.

Flathead Lake's climate, wind, and weather create these delicious varieties of cherries in high demand every summer.

Locals and visitors get excited to head to farmer's markets or roadside shops to pick up their Flathead Cherries, but this year might be different.

The Missoulian reports the Arctic Snap this past winter, with the constant cold temperatures in April and May, has ruined the Flathead Cherry crop this summer.

This issue has been a massive problem in Montana.

My family used to own a cherry and apple orchard in Polson, and the winters were a factor in how large our crop yield would be every summer or how late it would produce fruit.

Owning an orchard in Montana is one of the most stressful occupations you can have.

Montana's winters have been starting later and going longer over the past few years, and it's affecting one of the most unique foods in Big Sky Country.

The only place you might see Flathead Cherries this summer is near Flathead Lake.