Nothing says it's summertime like baskets of cherries lined up at a farmers' market or in the produce aisle of your local supermarket. These delectable juicy stone fruits make a fantastic healthy snack or can be added to all sorts of recipes for some mouthwatering flavor.
While a few recognizable varieties jump to mind when we think of cherries, there are, in fact, a huge number of different types of cherries available to us. Sweet cherries, sour cherries, cherries that fall somewhere in between. And they can all be used in plenty of different recipes and cuisines. There are over 1,000 cherry varieties grown across the globe, but these are some of the most common types of cherries you'll encounter.
Morello cherries are the most famous type of sour cherry. Their higher acidity makes them an excellent choice for making jams, syrups, or as a tarter alternative to sweet varieties. Use Morello cherries in rich, sweet desserts like cherry cake or Black Forest cake.
You'll know black cherries the instant you see them thanks to their rich dark hue. These ultra-sweet cherries are packed with that irresistible cherry flavor. Black cherries are great for snacking, sprinkled over yogurt or ice cream, and make wonderful additions to desserts like cherry biscotti and cherry clafoutis.
Glossy red Bing cherries are bursting with sweet juice balanced out with a hint of tartness. These cherries are perfect for munching on their own or as a garnish for your favorite desserts and even in savory dishes. Try tossing a handful into a salad!
If you like your cherries on the tarter side of the spectrum, you'll love Tulare cherries. They're still considered a type of sweet cherry, but they have more mouth-puckering acidity. Tulare cherries are excellent candidates for canning and making jam, but can also be used in baking as a tarter substitute for sweeter cherry varieties.
If you've ever sipped on a Shirley Temple, you'll instantly recognize maraschino cherries. These bright red cherries are preserved in syrup and sweetened. They're a must for cherry bread and pina colada trifle or in cocktails like pineapple upside-down shooters. Maraschino cherries are also an attractive garnish for an ice cream sundae.
People love Lapins cherries for their amazing high-quality flavor. They're sweet, a little tart, and delightfully juicy. They're a lovely choice for anyone who also enjoys Bing cherries. Lapins are ideal for jams, syrups, as a tart filling, and pickling.
With a sweet taste and beautiful yellow and blush color, Rainier cherries are as eye-catching as they are delicious. These beautiful cherries come from Washington state and are typically enjoyed fresh, whether as a snack or added to brighten up a salad, yogurt, or a morning bowl of porridge.