Forktionary

Sour Cherry

Prunus cerasus Fruit, Baking Ingredient, Tart Flavor

Sour Cherry Fruit, Baking Ingredient, Tart Flavor

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit, Baking Ingredient, Tart Flavor

The Forktionary Angle

"The Zesty Counterpoint: A fruit that brings balance and brightness, cutting through richness with its delightful tang."

Definition

A tart, bright red fruit, prized for its intense flavor in baking, preserves, and beverages, distinct from sweet cherries.

High Antioxidant Levels Rich in anthocyanins (red pigments)
Primary Seasonality Late spring to mid-summer
Typical pH Level 3.2-3.8 (acidic)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sour Cherry are:

Tart Fruity Bright Astringent (mild)

Chef’s Secret

When baking with sour cherries, a small pinch of almond extract enhances their fruitiness beautifully. For pies, toss cherries with a tablespoon of tapioca flour to prevent a watery filling.

Best Substitutes

Sweet Cherry

adjust sweetness in recipe
Ratio 1:1

Cranberry

use fresh or frozen
Ratio 1:1

Raspberry

Ratio 1:1

Rhubarb

requires cooking
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, unblemished cherries. Fresh are best, but frozen (pitted) are an excellent substitute for baking.

Culinary Pairings

Almonds Chocolate Pork Duck Bourbon Vanilla Cinnamon Lemon Goat Cheese

Recipes Using Sour Cherry

Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies image 112
Cookies And Brownies Oven Nuts Drop Cookies

Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies

Indulge in these decadent Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies! A delightful twist on the classic ice cream flavor, these chewy cookies burst with the juicy sweetness of brandy-soaked cherries, rich dark and white chocolate chunks, and crunchy macadamia nuts (optional). Perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a cookie experience that's almost as good as the real thing!

See Complete Recipe