5 Cherry Varieties - Cooking Light

Photo: José Picayo

Cherry Varieties

For a fleeting time, all those sweet cherries pile into roadside stands and farmers' markets. Some areas get them as early as May, but the rest of us have to wait until the heart of the season, from June to early August. What beautiful fruits they are—firm but surprisingly syrupy and juicy. Here we'll show you five cherry varieties as well as where we bought these bountiful beauties. Don't worry, we're also passing along a few scrumptious recipes, too.

Photo: José Picayo

Bright Red Sour Cherries

These tangy cherries are ideal when balanced with a bit of sweetness.

Shop: Cherry Connection | Traverse City, MI

Photo: José Picayo

Bing Cherries

Bing Cherries are characterized by crimson juice that makes a bold color statement. Use them in our Bourbon Candied Cherries to serve in cocktails or as party nibbles.

Shop: Melissa's

View Recipe: Bourbon Candied Cherries

Photo: José Picayo

Dark Hudson Cherries

These sweet cherries work well in Double-Cherry Upside-Down Cake or as a topping to a summer salad.

Shop: Red Jacket Orchards | Geneva, NY

View Recipe: Double-Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Photo: José Picayo

Rainier Cherries

Use Rainier cherries wherever you want softer, peachy hues—like in our Cherry-Peach Sangria.

Shop: Cherry Connection | Traverse City, MI

View Recipe: Cherry-Peach Sangria

Photo: José Picayo

Yellow Cherries

Take advantage of the beautiful color of sweet yellow cherries by adding to Salad with Cherries, Goat Cheese, and Pistachios.

Shop: Mair Farm-Taki | Wapato, WA

View Recipe: Salad with Cherries, Goat Cheese, and Pistachios