The Top 10 Italian Cherry Varieties—and the Best U.S. Alternatives to Try

Juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, cherries are a beloved symbol of summer. Whether eaten fresh or used in savory and sweet recipes, cherries are irresistible once you start snacking. While Italy is home to dozens of cherished local varieties, not all are available in the U.S. Here’s a tour of 10 iconic Italian cherries and the closest American varieties you can enjoy instead.

1. Vignola Cherries (I.G.P.) → Bing Cherries (U.S.)

Grown in the hills of Modena and Bologna, Vignola cherries include multiple cultivars, mainly large, dark-fleshed, and firm—the famous "duroni." The sweet, juicy Mora di Vignola and crunchy, ruby-red Durone di Anella stand out. In the U.S., Bing cherries offer a comparable sweetness and texture. Ideal for preserves, spirits, and clafoutis.

2. Ferrovia Cherries → Rainier or Skeena Cherries

Italy’s most exported cherry, Ferrovia hails from Puglia. Heart-shaped and bright red outside, with pale pink flesh and a sweet-tart taste. American Rainier or Skeena cherries offer similar versatility and color. Use them in salads, risottos, or enjoy fresh.

3. Marostica Cherries (I.G.P.) → Chelan Cherries

From Vicenza in northern Italy, Marostica cherries are large, glossy red, and extremely sweet. Chelan cherries, grown in Washington State, share a similar firm texture and vivid red color. Perfect for both sweet bakes and savory pairings like duck or veal.

4. Etna Cherries (D.O.P.) → Tulare or Coral Cherries

Grown on volcanic slopes in Sicily, Etna cherries are vibrant red with dense, sweet flesh and low acidity. The Tulare cherry, with its mild sweetness and firm bite, is a great substitute. Try them in granitas, sorbets, or jams.

5. Bella di Garbagna → Montmorency Cherries

A Slow Food favorite from Piedmont, these cherries were once mass-produced but are now rare. Delicate yet sweet, they're best used in liqueurs and filled chocolates. In the U.S., Montmorency cherries—especially when soaked in brandy—mimic their appeal in candy and cocktails.

6. Castelbianco Cherries → Balaton Cherries

Hailing from Liguria’s hills, these medium-small cherries come in dark and pale red varieties, both tart and floral. Balaton cherries from Michigan offer a similar profile, excellent for making jams and preserves.

7. Duracina di Tarcento → English Morello Cherries

From Friuli Venezia-Giulia, these rustic cherries are small, thick-skinned, and deeply juicy. American English Morello cherries match their old-world charm and are perfect for homemade pies and compotes.

8. Durona del Monte → Royal Ann Cherries

Native to Campania near Mount Somma, these cherries are bi-colored—pale pink on one side and deep red on the other—with juicy, lightly tart flesh. U.S. Royal Ann cherries are visually and flavorfully similar, ideal for eating fresh.

9. Arecca Cherries → Queen Anne Cherries

This historical Campanian cherry is firm, pale-fleshed, and harvested by hand in mid-June. While rare in Italy, you can try Queen Anne cherries in the U.S., known for their balanced sweetness and firm bite.

10. Bracigliano Cherries (I.G.P.) → Sweetheart Cherries

Recognized in 2023, these cherries from Salerno-Avellino are mid-to-large, dark-skinned, and flavorful with a sweet-tart punch. American Sweetheart cherries echo these traits and shine in both desserts and savory pairings like chutneys and charcuterie boards.