Which Cherries Are Tart?

Once you really look into it, there are a wide variety of cherries out there on the market. They’re available in every shade, from hued with yellow to so dark it’s almost black. You may know that some of them are sweet, but which cherries are tart?

If you looked at a display case of cherries, you’d likely be able to tell which ones are tart and which are sweet. Tart cherries like the Montmorency, grown primarily in Michigan, are smaller and bright red. Montmorency cherries are the most popular sour variety, but there are also other strains like the sour Morello.

These tart cherries contain many of the same benefits so beloved in sweet cherries. Montmorency cherries, for instance, can provide:

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Muscle recovery
• Arthritis relief
• Melatonin

But when it comes to the question of which cherries are tart, many people ask because they want to enjoy the sour variety for their drinks and recipes.

Uses for Tart Cherries

Tart cherries are crisp and tart in terms of flavor. Because of that, they aren’t considered to be the usual first choice as a snack. Where tart cherries like the Montmorency shine, however, is in any kind of confections.

These are the same kinds of cherries used in pies to keep them from getting too sweet. They’re also incredibly popular for preserves and jams. What makes the tart cherry so special is that it provides a vital flavor that people love while still keeping the recipe within the control of the baker.

And there are people out there with a taste for the tart, the kind of person that prefers a snack that isn’t too cloying on the tongue. For them, a sour cherry just may be the mid-afternoon treat that they’ve been looking for!