The concept of a single 'best cherry' is a myth, as the ultimate choice is a matter of personal preference and culinary purpose. While some are praised for their candy-like sweetness, others are valued for their tangy acidity in baking. This guide explores the characteristics of some of the world's most beloved cherry varieties, helping you decide which one is best for your specific needs.
The Top Contenders: A Closer Look at Elite Cherry Varieties
Not all cherries are created equal. Their flavor, texture, and ideal use vary widely. Here is a breakdown of some of the most celebrated varieties across the globe.
Sweet Cherries: The Kings of Fresh Eating
Sweet cherries are the most common type found fresh in grocery stores, prized for their high sugar content and rich flavor.
- Rainier: Known for its delicate honey-like flavor and low acidity, the Rainier cherry is often considered the most elegant sweet cherry. Its signature yellow skin with a red blush makes it a visually appealing addition to fresh salads and desserts. Due to its delicate nature, it is best enjoyed fresh and can be more expensive than other varieties.
- Bing: Perhaps the most popular and recognizable sweet cherry in the United States, the Bing is a crowd-pleaser with a rich, classic, and intense cherry flavor. Its dark red to maroon skin and firm, juicy flesh make it ideal for both fresh snacking and cooking.
- Lapins: This Canadian-bred variety is beloved for its large size and firm texture. It offers a deep, complex flavor that is both juicy and sweet, with a hint of tartness. Lapins are a versatile cherry, suitable for eating fresh, preserving, or baking.
- Skylar Rae®: Marketed as potentially the sweetest cherry on the market, the Skylar Rae® is a proprietary variety grown exclusively by Stemilt Growers in Washington. It is golden-blushed like a Rainier but boasts a Brix (sugar content) level that often exceeds that of even the sweetest yellow cherries.
Tart Cherries: The Baker's Best Friend
Sour or tart cherries are too acidic to be eaten raw for most people but are essential for baking, preserves, and juices.
- Montmorency: The quintessential tart cherry, Montmorency is the star of cherry pies and fillings. With bright red skin and yellow flesh, its distinctively acidic flavor shines once it is baked.
- Morello: A specific type of tart cherry with red flesh and red juice, Morellos are known for their bitter and sour taste. They are often preserved in syrup or used in flavorful sauces and desserts.
Sweet vs. Tart: A Comparison Table
To help you differentiate between the main categories, here is a comparison of their key characteristics.
| Feature | Sweet Cherries | Tart Cherries |
|---|---|---|
| Best Use | Snacking, salads, fresh desserts | Baking, preserves, jams, juices |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet and fruity, often with low acidity | Tangy, acidic, and sour |
| Common Varieties | Bing, Rainier, Lapins, Skylar Rae®, Stella | Montmorency, Morello, Balaton |
| Texture | Firm, juicy, and crunchy | Softer, with more juice |
| Appearance | Varies widely, from dark red/black to yellow with a red blush | Typically bright red, but can be dark |
| Availability | Widely available fresh in season | Often sold frozen, canned, or in jars |
The Role of Terroir and Origin
Like fine wine, a cherry's flavor and texture are heavily influenced by where it is grown, a concept known as terroir. The soil, climate, and local expertise contribute to the final product. Key growing regions include:
- Pacific Northwest, USA: States like Washington and Oregon are famous for producing high-quality sweet cherries, including Bing and Rainier, due to ideal weather and growing conditions.
- Turkey: As the largest producer of cherries in the world, Turkey offers a vast array of high-quality varieties, many known for their sweetness and firm texture.
- Europe: Regions in Italy (Ciliegia di Vignola), Portugal (Cereja da Cova da Beira), and Spain (Cereza del Jerte) boast unique, locally prized cherry varieties with distinct characteristics.
- Canada: British Columbia is known for late-ripening varieties, with the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre producing popular cultivars like Lapins and Staccato.
How to Find Your Best Cherry
To determine which cherry is best for you, consider these factors:
- For pure sweetness: Seek out yellow-blushed varieties like Rainier or the super-sweet Skylar Rae®. Darker varieties like Bing, Van, or Lapins also offer intense sweetness.
- For pie and baking: Tartness is key here. Look for Montmorency or other sour cherry options, which are often sold frozen or canned for year-round convenience.
- For versatility: Lapins and Bing cherries are excellent dual-purpose choices that can be enjoyed fresh or cooked.
- For a unique, complex flavor: Explore varieties from other countries, such as Italy's Amarena or Portugal's Cereja da Cova da Beira, known for their distinct profiles.
Conclusion: The Cherry is in the Details
Ultimately, defining the "best" cherry is a personal journey shaped by individual taste buds and desired application. There is no one correct answer, but rather a spectrum of delicious options waiting to be explored. The next time you find yourself at a market, try a few different varieties and pay attention to their texture, sweetness, and complexity. The best cherry in the world is the one you enjoy the most. For more in-depth information, the Victorian Cherry Association offers a detailed list of varieties and their properties, showcasing the rich diversity of this fantastic fruit.
