Cherries are one of the most delightful and tasty fruits out there.
Many people don’t know that there are many different types of cherries, each with unique characteristics and uses.
Keep reading to learn about the top types of cherries to look out for.
13 Popular Types of Cherries in 2024
This list of the most popular types of cherries includes sweet and tart cherries.
The cherries on this list ripen at different times of the year, so pay attention to their unique characteristics before selecting which one is best for you.
1. Bing
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Bing cherries are one of the most popular cherries in the world. You can commonly find them in your supermarket or grocery store.
These round, dark-red cherries have a sweet taste and are excellent for eating fresh or in desserts.
They ripen mid- to late-summer, so plan accordingly when planting them in your backyard orchard.
2. Burgundy
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This type of cherry is also known as monachan or black Republican cherries.
This tart cherry has a dark red color and is excellent for baking or cooking. It ripens mid- to late-summer, adding a unique flavor to your dishes.
3. Rainier
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Rainier cherries are one of the most unique types of cherries and are known for their distinctive color. This type of cherry has a yellowish flesh with a hint of blush on its skin.
Many people are confused when they see Rainier cherries because they think all cherries are red! Rainier cherries taste sweet and are often prized as dessert cherries or eaten fresh.
When they come into season, big festivals often celebrate these tasty morsels. They ripen mid- to late-summer and are the perfect way to end your summer.
4. Lapins
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Lapins cherries are similar in appearance and taste to the Bing cherry. However, they have a larger size and a slightly higher sugar content, making them incredibly sweet and juicy.
These cherries also have a longer shelf life, making them perfect for canning or preserving. They ripen in late summer to early fall. These late-season cherries are ideal for enjoying this delicious fruit well into the fall.
5. Chelan
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Also known as the Balaton cherry, this type has a tart flavor and is excellent for baking or canning.
Chelan cherries have the iconic deep red color that you probably associate with cherries. They ripped in mid- to late-summer.
Unfortunately, you may not see these cherries at your local grocery store, but they are worth seeking out for their unique taste and uses in the kitchen. If you can’t find them in your local grocery store, visit a farmer’s market or local orchard.
6. Montmorency
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This type of cherry is known as the classic tart cherry. You may see them labeled as “pie cherries” because they are commonly used in pies and make excellent jams or preserves.
Montmorency cherries are bright, almost shiny red, and ripen in mid- to late-summer. Although they are beautiful to look at, you might be disappointed if you bite into a Montmorency cherry straight from the tree.
The types of cherries that are known as tart have a low sugar content and are not as delicious fresh. However, their tartness makes them perfect for cooking and baking sweet dishes.
7. English Morello
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As the name suggests, the English Morello originally grew in England. It was first introduced to the United States in the 19th century and quickly became a famous cherry tree because of its bountiful production.
This type of cherry has a deep, dark red color and is known for its tart flavor. You can use these tasty cherries in cobbler, pies, and other baked goods. They ripen in late summer to early fall, giving you a tasty treat as the seasons change.
8. Amarena
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The amarena cherry is one of the most exotic types of cherry. It is only grown in Bologna and Modena, Italy. It is also unique because it is a relatively new variety of cherry.
Amarena cherries are small, dark-red cherries with a tart flavor. These types of cherries have a unique taste and are often used as an ingredient or garnish in desserts and cocktails.
Commercial growers commonly make this type of cherry into syrup. The dark red color of the cherries gives the syrup a beautiful color, and it is the perfect pairing for chocolate desserts.
9. Black Tartarian
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Black Tartarian cherries are one of the most popular and widespread types of cherries. The fruit is a seductive dark purplish-black color, contrasting the tree’s green leaves. This variety of cherry is originally from the Caucasus region of Central Asia.
It made its way to England in the 18th century and eventually to the US in the 19th century. These cherries have a sweet flavor, making them an excellent choice for eating fresh, but they also make fantastic jam and preserves.
They are extremely popular among home gardeners because they are easy to grow and have a high yield. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to find them in grocery stores because the fruit is soft and does not pack well.
10. Kordia
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Kordia cherries are one of the newer types of cherries, first developed in the Czech Republic in 1991. These cherries have a deep, dark red color and a sweet flavor that is popular among chefs and home cooks.
You can use Kordia cherries as a garnish or ingredient in desserts, but you can also use them in savory dishes. They are in season from late summer to early fall, and you can find them at farmer’s markets or specialty grocery stores.
When growing Kordia cherries, it is vital to have a pollinator nearby, as they do not produce enough pollen for self-pollination. They also require support for their branches, as they tend to droop with the weight of their fruit.
11. Lambert
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Lambert is one of commercial farmers’ most popular types of cherries. These dark red cherries have a sweet and juicy flavor, making them a favorite for snacking and baking.
Lambert cherries are also known as “heart” cherries because of their shape. They are ripe from late spring to early summer and are among the best early-season cherries.
This variety is popular with farmers and casual growers alike because of the large output of each tree. The average Lambert cherry tree will produce around 50 pounds of fruit a year!
12. Tieton
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Tieton cherries are one of the newest varieties of cherries available on the market. These cherries have a deep red color, sweet flavor, large fruit, and are ripe early in the season.
This combination of factors makes them increasingly popular with commercial growers and consumers.
One unique aspect of Tieton cherries is their long shelf life. They can maintain their freshness for weeks after being picked, making them an excellent choice for shipping and selling at markets.
Tieton cherries are versatile in their uses and can be eaten fresh, added to baked goods, or even used in savory dishes. They make excellent jams and preserves as well. Tieton cherries can do it all.
13. Utah Giant
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Utah Giant cherries have perhaps the best name of any cherry on this list. These cherries are precisely what they sound like—giant in size with a sweet and juicy flavor.
Utah Giant cherries are a relatively new variety, first introduced in the late 1970s.
These cherries have become increasingly popular with farmers and home gardeners because of their large fruit size and high yield. They are in season from mid- to late-summer.
Utah giant cherries are best eaten fresh, where their large size can shine. Just be prepared for your Utah giant cherry tree to need support for its heavy fruit!
Things to Consider
Here are some things to consider when choosing your favorite type of cherry.
- Location and climate. Some types of cherries cannot withstand cold temperatures, while others do better in cooler climates. Make sure to research the hardiness zone for each cherry before planting.
- Taste preference. Do you prefer sweet or sour cherries? Different types of cherries will have varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- Usage. Consider how you want to use the cherries in your cooking or baking. Some types are better for eating fresh, while you should use others for making jams or pies.
- Growing requirements. Some cherries require more maintenance or attention regarding pruning and pest control. Make sure you are prepared to meet the specific needs of your chosen cherry type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catania, Sicily – august 10, 2018: Ripe red cherries in wooden boxes in the fruit market/InnaLu/Shutterstock
These are some frequently asked questions about the most popular types of cherries:
What are the types of sweet cherries?
Some types of sweet cherries include Bing, Rainier, and Stella.
What are the types of tart cherries?
Some types of tart cherries include Montmorency and Morello.
Are all types of cherries good for baking or cooking?
No, not all types of cherries are suitable for baking or cooking. Some varieties, such as Amarena cherries, are better for eating fresh rather than using recipes. It’s best to research the specific types of cherries you plan to use in recipes to ensure they work well.
What types of cherries do you use for drinks?
Some cherries that work well in drinks include Lambert and Royal Ann. You can also use maraschino cherries, a sweetened and preserved cherry often used in cocktails or as toppings for desserts.
Can I grow all types of cherries at home?
It depends on your specific growing conditions, such as climate and space. Some cherries, such as Kordia, require colder winters and may not thrive in warmer temperatures. It’s essential to research the specific types of cherries you want to grow before planting them at home.
How many different types of cherries are there?
There are many cherries, with agricultural experts developing new varieties yearly. Some sources estimate that there may be over 1,000 types of cherries in existence.
Are all types of cherries red?
No, not all types of cherries are red. Some varieties have yellow or black skins, such as Tieton and Black Tartarian cherries. Others, such as Coral Champagne cherries, have a pinkish-orange color.
Can types of cherries be juiced?
Yes, some types of cherries can be juiced or made into cherry juice. Some varieties that work well for juicing include Montmorency and Regina cherries. It’s best to research the specific types of cherries you want to use for juicing before doing so.
Can types of cherries be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze some some types of cherries. They can be frozen whole, pitted, or even puréed into a cherry sauce or puree. It’s essential to research the specific types of cherries you plan to freeze, as some may not hold up well in the freezing process.
So, What Is the Best Type of Cherry to Buy or Grow?
There is no one “best” cherry, as it ultimately depends on personal preference and what you plan to use the cherries for. Some types may be better for eating fresh, while others may work well in baking or juicing.
It’s best to try several different types and see which ones you prefer. Keep in mind that every kind of cherry will also have a specific season in which it is at its peak ripeness and flavor. Happy tasting!