Types of Cherries and How to Use Them

Trying to figure out which cherries work best for pies, salads, jams, or fresh snacking? Every cherry variety has its own flavor profile, ranging from super sweet to pleasantly tart, making certain types better suited for specific recipes.

Cherries are among the earliest stone fruits to arrive during summer, and while grocery stores often simply label them as “cherries,” there are actually more than 1,000 varieties cultivated across the United States. Below are seven of the most popular kinds commonly used in cooking, baking, and desserts.

1. Bing Cherries

When most people imagine a cherry, they’re usually thinking of Bing cherries. These deep red cherries have a classic heart shape, juicy texture, and balanced flavor that combines sweetness with a mild tart bite.

Because of their naturally sweet taste, they’re excellent for eating fresh and also work wonderfully in desserts like cherry preserves, cherry sauces, or spooned over vanilla ice cream.

2. Black Cherries

Black cherries are known for their very dark skin color, which becomes deep purple — almost black — when fully ripe. They are related to chokecherries, though black cherries grow on taller trees and have a much sweeter flavor.

These cherries are delicious when eaten fresh and also pair nicely with yogurt, pastries, and baked desserts such as Black Forest-style treats.

3. Montmorency Cherries

Montmorency cherries are bright red sour cherries grown mainly in Michigan, making them especially popular throughout the Midwest.

Their sharp tartness makes them less enjoyable for casual snacking, but they are one of the best cherries for baking pies and making jams. When combined with sugar, they create flavorful cherry desserts and balanced fruit preserves. They’re also commonly used to make tart cherry juice, which is often praised for its health benefits.

4. Morello Cherries

Morello cherries belong to a group of sour cherries widely used in pies, pastries, and other baked recipes.

Like Montmorency cherries, they have a strong tart flavor that most people find too sour to eat raw. However, their bold taste works beautifully in sweet-and-tart dishes and sauces, especially when paired with meats such as ham or pork.

5. Rainier Cherries

Rainier cherries were first developed in Washington State in 1952 and named after Mount Rainier.

These cherries are easy to recognize thanks to their golden-yellow skin with pink blush coloring. They are exceptionally sweet and have an almost candy-like flavor. Because cooking can dull their beautiful color, they are usually best enjoyed fresh.

Rainier cherries are perfect in fruit salads, breakfast bowls, oatmeal, or served as a simple snack.

6. Maraschino Cherries

Maraschino cherries are not a separate cherry variety but rather cherries preserved using a special process.

Originally, sour marasca cherries were soaked in maraschino liqueur made from the same fruit. Today, maraschino cherries are typically made from different sweet or sour cherry varieties and preserved in sugary syrup instead of alcohol.

They have a very sweet, candy-like flavor and are commonly used to decorate cocktails, milkshakes, desserts, and baked treats.

7. Dried Cherries

Dried cherries are a convenient option because they can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Most dried cherries sold in stores are made from tart cherry varieties and are available in both sweetened and unsweetened forms. Their chewy texture and concentrated flavor make them extremely versatile.

They can be mixed into breakfast dishes, cookies, baked goods, trail mix, or chocolate desserts for an extra burst of fruity flavor.