How should cherries be handled prior to serving them?

Begin with clean hands. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing cherries. Likewise, wash cutting boards, utensils, and other implements before and after preparing cherries. Wash the cherries under running water immediately prior to cutting, eating, or cooking them.  Do not wash cherries with soap or detergent. Do not soak the cherries in water due to the potential for cross contamination. After washing, dry the cherries with clean paper towel.
 
Source(s):
FDA "Produce Safety: Safe Handling:
University of California "Safe Handling of Fruits and Vegetables"