How Many of These Different Types of Cherries Have You Tried? (2024)

It's officially summer and that means one thing: cherries! The popular bright, juicy fruit is delicious for snacking on by the handful, but it's also a key ingredient in some of our favorite summer recipes. Ree Drummond is a fan of cherries in her classic cherry pie and she even uses the fruit to mix up a batch of cherry lime punch. But which cherries are best for snacking on and which are better for baking fruit pies and other summer desserts? We've got the answers and so much more, including a list of popular types of cherries and how to use them!

Before you head to the supermarket, you should know that there are thousands of varieties of cherries grown in the United States. Most can be called either sweet cherries or sour (aka "tart") cherries. Fresh sweet cherries—aka Bing, Rainier, and Chelan—are available between May and August, and they make a great snack on their own. Sour cherries—like the most commonly found Montmorency cherries—are usually sold dried or in a jar; they're great for cherry pie filling, cherry dump cake, or jams and preserves because of their acidity. Regardless of which ones you pick, cherries are sure to put a smile on your face! So read on for everything you need to know about types of cherries, then make the most of cherry season with Ree’s recipes for cherry crisp, cherry sherbet, cherry cookie bars, and cherry-topped cheesecake!

This relative of the Bing cherry was first discovered in Tulare, California—hence the name! It’s the perfect balance between sweet and tart making it a versatile cherry for both snacking and baking. You can even use this type of cherry for savory recipes like a chutney paired with pork or a fresh cherry salsa.

This is the most common type of dark sweet cherry you'll find at the grocery store, in both fresh and frozen form. Firm, juicy, and sweet, these heart-shaped cherries make a delicious summer snack. A healthful bonus: They're rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Named for the highest peak in Washington State, Rainier cherries are easy to identify, thanks to their distinctive yellow-and-red flesh. They're slightly sweeter than Bing cherries and taste delicious on their own. Due to their short growing season, they can be pricey!

Grown in Michigan, Montmorency cherries are the most popular sour cherries in the U.S. You can typically find them frozen or canned, rather than fresh. Classic sour cherry pies are typically made with this variety. They're also used to make tart cherry juice. Try them in Ree's individual cherry almond crisps, which are made in ramekins.

The other popular type of sour cherry is the English Morello. You can usually find this variety jarred in light syrup at the grocery store.

The chewy, bright red cherries that top Shirley Temples aren't actually a special cherry variety, but rather refer to sweet cherries that have been preserved in brine, sweetened, and dyed. (High-end brands like Luxardo skip the dye, so they have a darker color.) Maraschino cherries are the perfect finishing touch for ice cream sundaes and baked goods like tres leches cake.

These dark sour cherries are native to Italy and typically come bottled or jarred in syrup. They're a delicious addition to co*cktails and desserts like ice cream and cheesecake.