There are several different names used to refer to the cherries that are commonly eaten as a dessert or snack food. The most common terms used are:
- Sweet cherries
- Dessert cherries
- Bing cherries
- Rainier cherries
The specific name depends on the variety and where the cherries are grown, but they all refer to the larger, sweeter cherries that are meant to be eaten fresh rather than cooked or preserved. So “dessert cherries” is a perfectly apt name for this type of cherry.
What Makes a Cherry a Dessert Cherry?
Dessert cherries are characterized by their large size, bright color, and sweet flavor compared to other types of cherries. Here are some of the key traits of dessert cherries:
- They are larger than other cherries, often around 1 inch in diameter.
- They have a high sugar content, which gives them a sweet, juicy flavor.
- The skin color is a deep, vivid red.
- The flesh is firm but tender when ripe.
- They have a pleasing aromatic fragrance.
- They are best eaten fresh, not cooked or preserved.
These traits differentiate dessert cherries from the small, sour cherries used for cooking and canning. The most common dessert cherry varieties include Bing, Rainier, Brooks, and Sweetheart.
Popular Varieties of Dessert Cherries
There are hundreds of named cherry varieties, but only a handful make up the bulk of the commercial dessert cherry market. Here are some of the most popular and widely available varieties:
Bing Cherries
Bing cherries are considered the standard dessert cherry variety. They have:
- Deep red skin and flesh
- A round, heart-shaped base
- Sweet flavor with hints of almond
- Firm, juicy texture
- They were developed in Oregon in the 1870s.
- They make up a large share of North American cherry production.
Rainier Cherries
Rainier cherries have:
- Sweet, mild flavor
- Golden skin with a pinkish-red blush
- Firm, crunchy texture
- Developed at Washington State University in the 1950s.
- Prized for their delicate taste and unique color.
Brooks Cherries
Brooks cherries are:
- Extra-large and heart-shaped
- Dark maroon skin
- Mildly sweet flavor
- Developed in California in the 1950s
- Popular for their size and rich color
Sweetheart Cherries
Sweetheart cherries have:
- Smaller size with a pointed tip
- Deep red skin and juicy flesh
- Moderately sweet flavor
- Developed in Canada in the 1980s
- Well-suited for fresh eating
Peak Season for Dessert Cherries
Dessert cherries have a relatively short harvest season, as they are one of the first fruits to ripen in temperate climates. The exact timing varies by region and variety, but in general the peak season runs from May through August.
Here is an approximate timeline for when most dessert cherries are in season:
| Month | Region |
|---|---|
| May | California, Southern U.S. |
| June | Oregon, Washington, British Columbia |
| July | Michigan, Northeastern U.S., Ontario |
| August | Western Canada, Northwest U.S. |
The season starts earliest in warm climates like California and progresses later into summer in cooler northern regions. Taking advantage of in-season cherries ensures the best flavor and ripeness.
How to Pick Ripe Dessert Cherries
Follow these tips to select ripe, juicy dessert cherries at the peak of flavor:
- Look for plump, firm cherries with smooth, glossy skin.
- Avoid shriveled cherries or those with bruises, cracks, or discoloration.
- The deeper the color, the sweeter the cherry. Pick dark red over light red.
- Lift the cherry stems – ripe cherries should easily separate from the stem.
- Taste a sample cherry if allowed. It should taste sweet yet slightly tart.
- Refrigerate as soon as possible to preserve freshness.
Proper ripeness results in dessert cherries with the best texture and sweetness. Underripe cherries will be tart and crunchy while overripe ones get soft and lose their appeal.
Common Uses for Dessert Cherries
Dessert cherries have many delicious uses apart from just eating them fresh. Here are some popular ways to enjoy them:
Raw
– On their own as a healthy snack or dessert
– In fruit salads, salsas, or relishes
– As a garnish or topping on foods like yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream
– In drinks like smoothies, milkshakes, or cocktails
Baked
– Whole, halved, or chopped in muffins, breads, scones, tarts, pies, crumbles, and cobblers
– As a filling for crepes or pancakes
Preserved
– Canned in syrup, juice, or water
– Frozen for later use
– Dried as a natural sweet snack
– Made into jams, jellies, and preserves
Other Uses
– As an ingredient in chutneys, sauces, and glazes
– Juiced or pulped for cherry juice drinks
– Infused into vinegars, spirits, or dessert wines
– Decoratively perched on the rim of cocktails
Dessert cherries work in both sweet and savory dishes, adding their signature color, flavor, and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts for Dessert Cherries
Along with their delightful taste, dessert cherries provide an array of important nutrients and health benefits. Here is the nutrition profile for a 1 cup (155g) serving of raw, pitted Bing cherries:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 87 |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Copper | 6% DV |
| Vitamin A | 3% DV |
Key nutrients and health benefits in cherries include:
- Antioxidants like anthocyanins give cherries their red color and fight inflammation
- Vitamin C supports immune function
- Potassium regulates blood pressure
- Fiber aids digestion and gut health
- Low calorie, fat free, sodium free – a smart dessert choice
So enjoying a serving of juicy dessert cherries provides a dose of vital nutrients along with sweet fruity flavor.
How to Store Fresh Dessert Cherries
To extend the shelf life of fresh dessert cherries after purchase:
- Keep cherries refrigerated in a plastic bag or container.
- Wash just before eating, not before storing.
- Sort through and remove any damaged or moldy cherries.
- Dry the cherries thoroughly if washing before refrigeration.
- Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.
- Or pit and freeze for longer storage of up to 1 year.
Proper storage keeps cherries fresh, moist and edible for several days. Signs cherries have spoiled include mold, shrivelling, and loss of firmness.
Tips for Cooking with Dessert Cherries
When using dessert cherries in recipes, keep these tips in mind:
- Fold whole fresh cherries into batter at the end to keep them intact.
- If baking, dust with flour or mix cherries with dry ingredients to prevent sinking.
- Cherries pair well with almond, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and citrus flavors.
- Reduce baking time when including cherries so they don’t overcook.
- Cherry pie filling made from scratch needs cornstarch to thicken.
- Cherries can be replaced with frozen pitted cherries in most recipes.
- Add cherry liqueur to amplify flavor in drinks, sauces, and desserts.
With a bit of care, fresh dessert cherries retain their texture and add sweet-tart vibrance to both savory and sweet dishes.
Popular Desserts That Use Cherries
Cherries are the star ingredient in many classic desserts and sweet treats. Here are some favorite cherry dessert recipes:
Cherry Pie
The quintessential American dessert – flaky pie crust filled with sweet cherry filling. Tart cherries provide the right balance of sweet-sour flavor.
Black Forest Cake
This elegant German chocolate cake is layered with whipped cream and dark, juicy cherries. Kirschwasser, a clear cherry brandy, is also added for a sophisticated flavor.
Cherry Cobbler
Cherries baked under a sweet biscuit topping create an easy, comforting old-fashioned dessert. Great served warm with ice cream.
Cherry Cheesecake
Creamy cheesecake with a tangy sour cream topping is a perfect partner for cherry pie filling in this rich, decadent dessert.
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Sweet, ripe cherries dipped in melted chocolate and coated in sprinkles or cocoa powder make a favorite candy treat.
Cherry Clafoutis
This French dessert bakes whole cherries into a custard-like batter for a simple but elegant display of cherry flavor.
Cherry Turnovers
Buttery pastry wrapped around cherry pie filling creates portable single-serve turnovers with fruity cherry goodness in every bite.
Conclusion
In summary, dessert cherries go by many names but they all refer to the large, sweet cherry varieties that are perfect for eating fresh. Bing, Rainier, Brooks, and Sweetheart are some of the most popular dessert cherry cultivars. Look for glossy, firm fresh cherries during their peak season from May to August. Beyond raw snacking, dessert cherries shine in baked goods like pies and cobblers as well as classic desserts like black forest cake. Their sweet-tart flavor, vibrant color, and impressive nutrient content make dessert cherries a nutritional power fruit and a tasty treat.