Fruit | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Fat

Tart Cherry

Prunus cerasus Allergen-Free
Tart Cherry

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Rosaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Eastern European, North American
  • Seasonality Late Spring to Mid-Summer
  • Source Cherry Tree

The Forktionary Angle

"The Zest of the Orchard: Unpacking the Sour Power of Tart Cherries"

Definition

A small, red fruit known for its distinctly sour taste, commonly used in pies, jams, and juices.

Sensory Profile

TasteSour, Bright, Slightly Bitter
TextureFirm, Juicy, Tender (when cooked)
AromaFruity, Almond-like (from pit compounds)
AcidityHigh

Technical Metrics

Common Varieties

Montmorency is the most popular North American variety.

Nutritional Highlight

Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Peak Season

Late June to late July in North America.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup (154g)
Calories50 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1 g
Total Carbohydrate12 g
Dietary Fiber1.6 g
Total Sugars8 g
Calcium13 mg
Iron0.3 mg
Potassium173 mg

Chef’s Secret

When baking with tart cherries, lightly toss them with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture and prevent a watery filling.

Substitutions

Best Match

Cranberry

1:1

Provides a similar tartness and vibrant color, excellent for pies, sauces, and jams.

Red Currant

1:1

Offers strong tartness and a juicy texture, good for baking and jellies, but smaller.

Rhubarb

1:1 (by weight)

Extremely tart, pairs well with sugar in desserts, offers a fibrous texture.

Lemon Juice + Sugar

Varies

Not a fruit, but mimics the tartness and can be used to balance sweetness in recipes.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, bright red cherries. Avoid soft spots or mold. Store refrigerated.

Flavor Pairings

Almonds chocolate vanilla cinnamon duck pork goat cheese.

Recipes Using Tart Cherry

Apple Dried Cherry And Pecan Salad With Maple Dressing image 131
Fall Dietary 15 Minutes Or Less Vegetables

Apple Dried Cherry And Pecan Salad With Maple Dressing

This stunning Apple, Dried Cherry & Pecan Salad, adapted from a Mountain Town Station Brewing Company recipe (Bon Appetit, Sept 2002), is the perfect holiday side dish or light lunch! Easy to make yet impressive to serve, this recipe features crisp apples, sweet dried cherries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy maple-dijon dressing. Easily customizable – substitute dried cranberries for cherries, use glazed or spiced pecans, or swap pears for apples. Adjust the dressing for your preferred creaminess by altering the sour cream, vinegar, and oil.

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Best Cherry Pie image 156
Cherries Pies Preparation Cherries

Best Cherry Pie

This award-winning cherry pie recipe, a blue ribbon winner at the Vicksburg, MS county fair, will become your new family favorite! Bursting with juicy cherries and a perfectly flaky crust, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers exceptional results. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dessert!

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