There are Many different types of cherries. Here in North America, the most common are the tart cherry and black sweet cherry varieties. Black cherries, also known as sweet cherries or Bing cherries, have dark-colored skin.
When it comes to cherries, the debate between tart and sweet varieties often comes down to personal preference and their respective uses in culinary and health contexts. In this post, we will delve into the differences between tart cherries and sweet cherries, exploring their flavors, nutritional benefits, uses, and more.
Flavor Profile
Tart Cherries (Sour Cherries)
Taste. As the name suggests, tart cherries are known for their sour taste. They have a sharp, tangy flavor that makes them less appealing for snacking raw but ideal for certain culinary applications.
Varieties. The most common type of tart cherry is the Montmorency cherry.
Montmorency cherries are a specific variety of tart cherries, widely recognized for their distinct sour flavor and numerous health benefits.
They are known for their tart, tangy taste, which makes them less suited for fresh eating compared to sweet cherries, but ideal for culinary uses where a sharp flavor is desired.
They are typically bright red cherries when ripe with a firm texture, which holds up well during cooking and baking.
Sweet Cherries
Taste. Sweet cherries are juicy and have a rich, sweet taste that makes them perfect for eating fresh. They are the cherries you’re likely to find at a farmer’s market or grocery store during cherry season.
Varieties of sweet cherries. Popular sweet cherry varieties include Bing, Rainier, and Lambert.
Table of contents
Nutritional Benefits
Tart Cherries.
Antioxidant Properties. Tart cherries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their bright red color. These antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Melatonin. Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Consuming tart cherry juice has been linked to improved sleep quality.
Anti-inflammatory Properties. Studies have shown that tart cherries can help reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout pain relief due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet Cherries
Vitamins and Minerals. Sweet cherries are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients support overall health, including immune function and digestive health.
Antioxidants. Like tart cherries, sweet cherries also contain antioxidants, though in slightly different compositions and concentrations.
Low-Calorie Snack. Fresh cherries are a low-calorie, hydrating snack option, perfect for hot summer days.
Culinary Uses
Tart Cherries
Baking and Cooking. Tart cherries are often used in baking and cooking due to their robust flavor that holds up well in recipes. They are key ingredients in dishes like cherry pie, cobblers, and jams.
Juices and Concentrates. Tart cherry juice is popular for its health benefits and is often consumed by athletes for muscle recovery.
Preserves and Dried Forms. They are also commonly found in dried form, which can be added to salads, trail mixes, and cereals.
Sweet Cherries
Fresh Eating. Sweet cherries are best enjoyed fresh, thanks to their natural sweetness and juicy texture.
Desserts and Salads. They make great additions to desserts like clafoutis, tarts, and fruit salads. They can also be used as toppings for yogurt and ice cream.
Beverages. Sweet cherries can be blended into smoothies or used to infuse flavor into beverages like lemonade.
Growing Seasons and Availability
Tart Cherries. They have a shorter growing season, typically from late June to July, depending on the region. They are predominantly grown in Michigan, which is known for its extensive cherry orchards.
Sweet Cherries. They have a slightly longer season, from early June to August. They are widely grown in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington state, as well as in California and Oregon.
Summary
Both tart and sweet cherries offer unique flavors and health benefits, making them valuable additions to a balanced diet. Tart cherries excel in cooking and provide notable health advantages, particularly for sleep and inflammation. Sweet cherries are delightful for fresh snacking and add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes.
Whether you prefer the tang of tart cherries or the sugary delight of sweet cherries, incorporating these vibrant fruits into your diet can provide a delicious and nutritious boost.
What varieties are sweet cherries?
Sweet cherries and black cherries are closely related, but not all sweet cherries are black cherries. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
General Characteristics
- Sweet cherries are known for their juicy, sweet flavor, making them ideal for fresh eating.
- They come in various colors, including red, dark red, yellow, and even bi-colored varieties.
Popular Varieties include the bing cherry, rainier cherries, lapins cherries, and sweetheart cherries.
What are Black Cherries?
The term “black cherries” typically refers to the darkest variety of sweet cherries. Bing cherries are the most commonly known black cherry variety because of their very dark, almost black skin when fully ripe. They have a rich, sweet flavor and are highly prized for fresh eating and various culinary uses.
Differences and Similarities
While all black cherries are sweet cherries, not all sweet cherries are black. Sweet cherries come in various colors, including red, yellow, and black.
Black cherries like Bing are very sweet and have a slightly deeper, more robust flavor compared to lighter-colored sweet cherry varieties like Rainier.
Both black cherries and other sweet cherry varieties are commonly eaten fresh. They can also be used in desserts, salads, and beverages. Black cherries, due to their deep color, are sometimes preferred for their aesthetic appeal in certain dishes and garnishes.
Nutritional Benefits
Both black cherries and other sweet cherry varieties offer similar nutritional benefits:
- High in vitamins A and C.
- Rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their dark color.
- Good source of dietary fiber.
- Contain minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Common Main Types of Cherries and Their Uses
Cherries are a beloved fruit, known for their sweet and tart flavors and vibrant colors. Different types of cherries offer unique tastes and uses. Here’s a guide to some common varieties and how you can enjoy them.
Bing Cherries
They are perhaps the most well-known sweet cherry variety. They are large, heart-shaped, and have a deep red to almost black color when fully ripe. Bing cherries are perfect for snacking fresh due to their sweet, juicy flavor. They’re also excellent in salads, desserts, and as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Rainier Cherries
Prized for their exceptionally sweet flavor and beautiful yellow-red blush color. These cherries are often eaten fresh but are also fantastic for baking into pies and tarts due to their sweetness and vibrant appearance. They make an attractive addition to fruit salads and can be used to create visually stunning preserves.
Montmorency Cherries
The most popular tart cherry variety in the United States. They are bright red and have a tangy flavor, making them ideal for cooking and baking. These cherries are commonly used in making cherry pie, jams, jellies, and sauces. Their tartness also pairs well with savory dishes and as a garnish for cocktails.
Black Cherries
The Chelan and Lambert varieties, are another type of sweet cherry. They are dark red to black in color and have a robust, sweet flavor. Black cherries are great for eating fresh, adding to fruit salads, or blending into smoothies. Their rich flavor also makes them suitable for making cherry brandy and other liqueurs.
Morello Cherries
A type of sour cherry that have a deep red flesh and juice. They are less commonly eaten fresh due to their tartness but are highly sought after for culinary uses. Morello cherries are excellent for making cherry preserves, sauces, and baked goods. They are also used to produce cherry liqueurs and syrups.
Sweetheart Cherries
Known for their bright red color and heart shape. They have a sweet-tart flavor, making them versatile for both fresh eating and cooking. Sweetheart cherries can be used in salads, desserts, and as a delightful garnish for drinks. Their firm texture also makes them suitable for canning and preserving.
Exploring these cherry varieties can add a burst of flavor and color to your culinary creations. Whether you enjoy them fresh or use them in recipes, cherries are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet.
Why do people drink cherry juice?
Throughout the United States, people drink cherry juice for a variety of health benefits and culinary pleasures. Both tart cherry juice and sweet cherry juice are consumed, but tart cherry juice, particularly from Montmorency cherries, is more commonly associated with health benefits. Here’s an in-depth look at why people drink cherry juice:
Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Contains high levels of anthocyanins, which are compounds that reduce inflammation and joint pain. This makes it beneficial for individuals with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Improved Sleep
Is a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Drinking tart cherry juice can help improve sleep duration and quality, making it beneficial for people with insomnia or sleep disturbances.
Exercise Recovery
Helps reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after intense physical activity. Athletes and active individuals often drink tart cherry juice to reduce muscle damage and inflammation post-exercise.
Antioxidant Protection
Both Tart and Sweet Cherry Juices are rich in antioxidants. Which help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage. This can contribute to overall health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Heart Health
Both Tart and Sweet Cherry Juices contain compounds that may help improve cardiovascular health. By reducing high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. The potassium in cherries also helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Gout Symptoms Management
Tart Cherry Juice can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood, which is beneficial for individuals with gout. Regular consumption of tart cherry juice has been linked to fewer gout attacks.
Digestive Health
Both Tart and Sweet Cherry Juices contain fiber and other compounds that promote digestive health. Drinking cherry juice can help maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent constipation .
Culinary Uses of Cherry Juice
Refreshing Beverage. Enjoy as refreshing, flavorful drinks. Drink on their own as a cherry juice or mix with other juices and beverages.
Smoothies and Cocktails
Use as a base for smoothies, providing a sweet and tangy flavor. They are also popular in cocktails and mocktails.
Cooking and Baking
Tart Cherry Juice is often used in cooking and baking to add a tart flavor to recipes. It can be used in sauces, glazes, marinades, and desserts.
Summary
People drink cherry fruit juices primarily for its numerous health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to improve with a better sleep, aid in exercise recovery, antioxidant protection, heart health benefits, and gout management. Additionally, cherry juice is a delicious and versatile beverage that can is in various culinary applications. Whether you’re looking to boost your health or simply enjoy a tasty drink, cherry juice offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice.
Is Black Cherry or Tart Cherry Healthier?
Tart cherry juice is generally healthier than black cherry juice. Black cherry juice contains a high amount of sugar, which increases the calorie count and can lead to excessive weight gain.
For example, 8 ounces of tart cherry juice has 139 calories, while the same amount of black cherry juice contains 190 calories.
However, be cautious when buying tart cherry juice from grocery stores, as some varieties may contain added sugars. Always opt for pure tart cherry juice.
The Heart and Stroke Association warns that too much added sugar can lead to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and tooth decay. Therefore, tart cherries have less sugar and a bit better for you in regards to sugar intake.
To stay healthy, limit your sugar intake to less than 10% of your daily calories.
