If you have a sweet craving, cherries - also regarded as the ‘ideal dessert topper’ - should be a staple in your home. But did you know there are many kinds of cherries? Furthermore, cherries can be used for purposes other than garnishing. Whether you prefer your cherries firm and sour or sweet and juicy, there is a cherry for you. Continue reading to learn more about the many sorts of cherries. Learn about their appearance and flavour, as well as how to include them in your dishes. These cherry cultivars are further classified into two types: sweet cherries and sour cherries.
Sweet Cherries
1. Bing Cherries
When you hear the word cherry, what image comes to mind? You’re thinking about a bing cherry if it’s a heart-shaped fruit with smooth and glossy crimson skin. This cherry cultivar is firm, juicy, sweet, and tangy. It’s the type of cherry that goes on top of ice cream and other desserts.
2. Black Cherries
Black cherries are distinguished by their dark, nearly black skin. As they age, they shift from orange and red to dark purple and practically black. Because of their sweetness, they’re fantastic for nibbling. They’re a good addition to yoghurt and baked goods. They’re also commonly used to make jelly, wine, rum, and brandy. Cough medications frequently contain black cherries as a component. It’s utilised not only for the flavour but also because the tree bark acts as a natural sedative.
3. Rainier Cherries
Rainier cherries are famous for their stunning pink and golden-yellow colours. They’re a cross between bing and van cherry, and they’re juicy and incredibly sweet, almost like candy. These cherries are best eaten fresh and should not be cooked with, because they will lose their vibrant colours. They are sensitive to rain, wind, and temperature. Their peak season lasts only a few weeks - from late June to early July. As a result, they are more expensive than other cherry varieties. Rainier cherries are so popular in the US that they have their own holiday - July 11 is Rainier Cherry Day.
4. Queen Anne Cherries
The Queen Anne cherry, a cousin of the rainier cherry, is another popular type with pink and yellow colours. Their flavours, though, are nothing alike. While Queen Anne is classified as a sweet cherry, its flavour is more tart than sweet. Having said that, this cherry is excellent for preparing jams and sauces.
Sour Cherries
1. Montmorency Cherries
While Montmorency cherries originated in France, they are most commonly farmed in Michigan. They’re little, pale crimson, and have a fantastic acidic flavour that’s complemented with a very subtle sweetness. Cooking these cherries with sugar yields a delicious cherry pie filling and a delectable jam.
2. Meteor Cherries
Meteor cherries are a type of cherry that belongs to the Amarelle family. They’re big, with bright, shining red skin and yellowish flesh. Meteors, like other sour cherries, are too acidic and tangy to eat fresh. Instead, prepare pies, juices, jams, and jellies with meteor cherry.
3. Early Richmond Cherries
The Early Richmond cherry has a medium size, beautiful red skin, and juicy, yellow meat. One bite of this bright, acidic, and sour cherry will undoubtedly make your lips pucker. It’s not great for nibbling, but it’s fantastic for baking. It’s also an excellent addition to cocktails.