Sour cherry

Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus), also known as tart cherry, is a species of Prunus in the subgenus Cerasus (cherries), native to much of Europe and southwest Asia. It is closely related to the sweet cherry (Prunus avium), but has a fruit that is more acidic, has greater nutritional benefits and is scientifically proven to have disease-fighting properties.

Description

The sour cherry tree is smaller than the sweet cherry tree (Prunus avium) and has twiggy branches, whilst the sweet cherry tree has branches that are sturdier. The flowers of the sour cherry tree are in clusters of two to four, whereas sweet cherry flowers are single. The fruit of the sour cherry is smaller and its skin is brighter and less glossy.

Cultivation

Sour cherries require similar cultivation conditions to pears, that is, they prefer a rich, well-drained, moist soil, although they will grow in heavier top soils if drainage is good. They are widely cultivated in many countries for their fruit, and are more tolerant of temperature extremes than the sweet cherry.

Varieties

There are two main varieties of sour cherry: the dark-red Morello cherry and the lighter-red Amarelle cherry. The Morello cherry ripens in the late summer and autumn, and is self-fertile, making it ideal for cultivation in northern climates. The Amarelle cherry ripens in the early summer and requires cross-pollination.

Uses

Sour cherries are used in cooking including soups, pork dishes, cakes, tarts, and pies. They are also used to make jams, jellies, and preserves. In addition, they are used in the production of cherry brandy and other cherry-based spirits.

Health Benefits

Sour cherries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, and antioxidants. They have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout. They are also known to improve sleep quality due to their high content of melatonin.

See Also

• Cherry
• Sweet Cherry
• Cherry Brandy
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Beta-Carotene
• Potassium
• Antioxidants
• Melatonin