I have a tart cherry tree, so we go through this every July! I bought a handheld pitter, but it took longer than just pulling the stem, which will often bring the pit along if you pull slowly. If the stem is gone, just squeeze the cherry gently and the pit will come out. I also learned to pick one gallon a day, make my jam or whatever, and do more the next day. Otherwise, my back hurt for a week from bending over the sink! Also, you can pit 3 cups and put them directly into a freezer bag, and they will be good for a year for a cherry crisp, or I'd assume, a claflouti@

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