By
An award-winning food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local, seasonal ingredients.
Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process
Updated on 12/9/20
Trending Videos
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/varieties-of-sweet-cherries-2215953-v1-1dae3565d2a44708aad851bc68c35afd.png "Your Guide to Yummy Sweet Cherries (1)")
Nothing beats fresh summer produce, and sweet cherries, with their naturally delicious flavor and short season, top the list. Best eaten straight out of hand, you can enjoy this juicy fruit as a simple snack or as dessert. There are many types of sweet cherries, with a handful of varieties commonly found in stores and at farmers markets. Some fruit lovers prefer red or black cherries, such as Bing, while others love the taste of yellow and pink varieties, like Rainier.
As a general rule, the darker the cherry, the more intense the flavor. And while each variety offers a subtle taste difference, they also have slightly different growing seasons and ripening windows, allowing regional growers to harvest cherries all summer long. Read on to learn about the characteristics and timing of some favorite summer varieties.
01 of 06
Bing Cherries
Like many types of sweet cherries, Bing cherrieshave a distinctive heart shape. This variety is usually the first toshow up in national markets, as they are the leading commercial sweet cherry. In fact, Bings are so popular that in Washington state, where most American cherries are grown, they are used to measure the growing season of other varieties. Cherry seasons are described as a number of days before or after Bings (for example, two weeks before Bing).
Firm, juicy, and large, Bing cherries range in color from a deep red to rich mahogany when ripe. Bing cherries are intensely sweet with a vibrant aftertaste.
02 of 06
Chelan Cherries
Chelan cherries, otherwise known as "black cherries," grow in the Pacific Northwest and ripen early, beating out Bing cherries by up to two weeks (mid-June). This round sweet cherry is also firm in texture and mild in taste. Similar to Bing cherries, Chelan cherries carry a deep mahogany color and sweet flavor. This variety is less susceptible to rain cracking, allowing it a longer shelf life thanthat of its counterpart.
03 of 06
Lapins Cherries
A crossbreed between the Vans and Stella varieties, Lapins cherriescan grow to up to one inch in size and are hardy, deep red in color, and quite sweet and flavorful. This type of sweet cherry ripens about two weeks after the Bing cherry and is only available for a short window of a few weeks. Grab them while you can.
04 of 06
Rainier Cherries
Rainier cherries are the industry's sweetheart. Yellow both inside and out, with just a splash of red blush, these two-toned cherries boast a mild, sweet flavor that hints at tartness. Named after Washington's largest peak,Mount Rainier, Rainier cherries ripenjust after Bing in June and are often available through August for those lucky enough to find them locally.
Continue to 5 of 6 below.
05 of 06
Tulare Cherries
Tulare cherries are tarter than other types of sweet cherries, but they still have the same dark red appearance of the Bing and the Chelan varieties. They are perfect for people who like a noticeably tangy aftertaste to theirfruit. A second-generation seedling of the Bing, Tulare cherries grow in California and ripen about one weekearlier than their close relative.
06 of 06
Lambert Cherries
Lambert cherriesare large with an even bright red color throughout. They are sweet enough to eat straight out of hand but they are also great for baking, as they maintain their texture when cooked. Lambert cherries are available for most of the summer, from mid-June to early August.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BingCherries-58f81e805f9b581d59cc15d9.jpg "Your Guide to Yummy Sweet Cherries (2)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ChelanCherries-58f81f813df78ca159d424d0.jpg "Your Guide to Yummy Sweet Cherries (3)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LapinsCherries-58f820143df78ca159d42645.jpg "Your Guide to Yummy Sweet Cherries (4)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RainierCherries-58f820913df78ca159d42667.jpg "Your Guide to Yummy Sweet Cherries (5)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TulareCherries-58f823075f9b581d59cc6aa6.jpg "Your Guide to Yummy Sweet Cherries (6)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cherries-in-colander-58a13b035f9b58819c8dfc1d.jpg "Your Guide to Yummy Sweet Cherries (7)")
As a seasoned culinary expert with a deep passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients, I've had the pleasure of exploring and mastering the nuances of various fruits, including the delectable sweet cherries discussed in the article. My extensive experience in the world of food extends to creating over a thousand recipes, all centered around locally sourced and seasonal produce.
Now, let's delve into the rich world of sweet cherries, where I'll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts discussed in the article:
Bing Cherries
Bing cherries, recognizable by their distinctive heart shape, take the spotlight as the leading commercial sweet cherry. Hailing mostly from Washington state, they set the standard for cherry growing seasons, acting as a reference point for other varieties. Bing cherries are known for their firm texture, juicy interior, and intense sweetness with a vibrant aftertaste. Their deep red to mahogany color signifies ripeness.
Chelan Cherries
Also known as "black cherries," Chelan cherries thrive in the Pacific Northwest, ripening a couple of weeks earlier than Bings, around mid-June. With a deep mahogany color and a mild taste similar to Bings, Chelan cherries boast a firm texture. Importantly, they have increased resistance to rain cracking, giving them a longer shelf life.
Lapins Cherries
Lapins cherries, a crossbreed of Vans and Stella varieties, grow to a substantial size, about one inch. These hardy, deep red cherries are exceptionally sweet and flavorful. They typically ripen about two weeks after Bing cherries and are available for a limited window, making them a sought-after treat.
Rainier Cherries
Regarded as the industry's sweetheart, Rainier cherries stand out with their yellow exterior and interior, complemented by a hint of red blush. Named after Mount Rainier in Washington, these two-toned cherries have a mild, sweet flavor with a subtle tartness. They follow Bings in ripening, appearing in June and often lingering through August for those fortunate enough to find them locally.
Tulare Cherries
Tulare cherries, growing in California, offer a tangy twist compared to other sweet cherries. Despite their darker red appearance akin to Bings and Chelans, they bring a noticeably tangy aftertaste. As a second-generation seedling of the Bing, Tulare cherries ripen about a week earlier than their close relative.
Lambert Cherries
Lambert cherries, with their large size and bright red color throughout, strike a balance between sweetness and versatility. Ideal for both snacking and baking, these cherries maintain their texture when cooked. Available from mid-June to early August, Lambert cherries provide a delightful option for various culinary endeavors.
In conclusion, the world of sweet cherries is a diverse and flavorful one, offering a range of options for every palate and culinary application. Whether you prefer the intense sweetness of Bing or the mild, tart notes of Rainier, understanding the characteristics and ripening windows of each variety enhances your appreciation for these delightful summer fruits.
