Cherries are a delicious and nutritious fruit. Join us as we explore the different types of cherries found around the world and learn about various cherry cultivars in the following article.
Further Reading:
1 All About Cherries
Cherries, also known as sweet cherries, belong to the Rosaceae family, subgenus Cerasus, and originate from Europe, primarily grown in temperate regions.
Cherries, also known as sweet cherries
Cherries have an oval shape, a long stem that grows in clusters, and a bright red color when ripe, though they can also be yellow or a deep black. The average diameter of a cherry is about 2.5 cm. Cherries are juicy, with a glossy skin and a sweet, crisp texture, making them a favorite among many.
Cherry harvest season typically starts from May to August
The cherry harvest season typically starts from May to August, with some regions harvesting as late as November. Cherry trees are usually abundant with fruit, and according to experts, American cherries are the best in terms of color, flavor, and nutritional value. Besides being a delicious dessert, cherries are also used in jams, sauces, or as a garnish for cocktails and birthday cakes.
2 Characteristics of Imported Cherries
Imported cherries come in various colors, depending on their region of origin and unique flavor profiles
Not all cherries are created equal; each region produces cherries with distinct colors, sizes, and flavors. However, most imported cherries share some common characteristics:
- Color: Red, black, or yellow cherries.
- Taste: Sweet or sour cherries.
- Climate: Cherries grown in temperate or tropical climates.
- Seasonality: Cherries that thrive in cold or warm seasons.
- Cultivar: Chelan, Lapin, Skeena, Rainier, Royal Ann, Tulare, Lambert, Tartarian, Bings, and more.
- Origin: American, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian, Chilean, Chinese, Japanese, and other cherries.
Further Reading:
3 Popular Cherry Cultivars Around the World
Sour Cherry Cultivars
Sour cherries tend to be smaller, softer, and have a tart taste. Notable examples of sour cherry cultivars include Early Richmond, Montmorency, and Morello, which are commonly grown in China.
Sour cherries are packed with antioxidants and have fewer calories than sweet cherries. They are often used in baking, jams, dried snacks, or juice beverages.
Sour cherries are typically smaller, softer, and have a tart taste
Today, there are over 300 varieties of sour cherries available in the market from mid-June to mid-August, with amarelle and morello being the most common types.
Sweet Cherry Cultivars
Sweet cherry cultivars, on the other hand, are larger than their sour counterparts, often heart-shaped, with firmer flesh and a crisp, sweet taste. Their colors range from reddish-yellow to deep red or purplish-black.
Notable examples of sweet cherry cultivars include Royal Ann, Bing, Lambert, and Tartarian, mainly grown in the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand.
Sweet cherry cultivars are larger than sour cherries
The harvest season for sweet cherries in the Northern Hemisphere typically falls between May and July, divided into three periods: early, mid, and late season. Prices tend to be highest at the start of the season and gradually decrease.
Sweet cherries are commonly used in fruit salads, smoothies, fruit bowls, or yogurt, and they are a popular choice in the market, often exported in larger quantities than sour cherries.
Tropical Cherry Cultivars
Tropical cherry cultivars include the Grumichama cherry, also known as the Brazilian cherry, and the Surinam cherry, nicknamed the Hawaiian cherry.
The Grumichama cherry is native to the southern coastal regions of Brazil and is now commonly grown in Rio de Janeiro and Paraguay. It has a dark brown color when ripe, with a thin, glossy skin and firm, white flesh. Each fruit contains 2-3 seeds separate from the flesh, offering a unique blend of sweet and sour flavors with a distinct aroma. This variety typically ripens in November.
Grumichama Cherry (Brazilian Cherry)
The Surinam cherry, or Hawaiian cherry, is native to Brazil and has a unique shape with eight distinct ridges. Each fruit contains 1-3 seeds, and its flesh is a deep red color with a mango-like sweetness. When unripe, it is green, turning black as it ripens.
This cherry variety is cultivated in some provinces of Vietnam, such as Da Lat, and is commonly used in jams, sauces, or fruit salads.
4 Common Types of Cherries Around the World
American Cherries
American cherries are a favorite among many, known for their bright red color, crisp texture, and sweet taste
American cherries are a favorite among many, known for their bright red color, crisp texture, and sweet taste. The harvest season for these cherries falls between May and August, with popular varieties including Bing, Chelan, Rainier, Skeena, Sweetheart, and Tieton.
At the start of the season, American cherries tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 VND per kg.
Further Reading:
Australian Cherries
Australian cherries have a reddish-purple hue, a glossy appearance, and a crisp, sweet taste
Australian cherries have a reddish-purple hue, a glossy appearance, and a crisp, sweet taste. The early season for these cherries spans from May to August, while the late season falls between December and February of the following year. Popular varieties include Merchan and Sweetheart.
Australian cherries come in sizes 28-36, and their prices can range from 450,000 to 1,000,000 VND per kg.
Further Reading:
Chinese Cherries
Chinese cherries are more affordable but have firmer, tarter flesh and vary in size
Chinese cherries are a common variety in Vietnam, sharing the same season as American and Canadian cherries, from May to August. They are more affordable, typically costing between 120,000 and 150,000 VND per kg.
The quality of Chinese cherries is generally considered lower than that of other varieties, as they belong to the sour cherry cultivar, with firmer, tarter flesh and varying sizes.
Further Reading: Chinese Cherries: Features, Classification, and Pricing
5 How to Distinguish American and Chinese Cherries
Size and Appearance:
American cherries tend to be larger and more uniform in size, giving them a substantial feel. In contrast, Chinese cherries are smaller and less consistent in size.
Color and Taste:
American cherries have a deep red or black color, depending on the variety, with a glossy, juicy appearance and a sweet taste. Their stems are fresh and green. Chinese cherries, on the other hand, are tarter, with a brighter red color, a smooth and shiny skin, and less fresh stems due to the use of preservatives, resulting in a softer texture.
American cherries have a deeper red color (left) compared to Chinese cherries (right)
Price:
At the start of the season, American cherries can be quite expensive, ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 VND per kg, while Chinese cherries are typically cheaper, costing around 120,000 to 150,000 VND per kg. However, using price as a distinguishing factor is not always reliable, as Chinese cherries masquerading as American cherries may be sold at higher prices.
Storage:
American cherries must be stored at temperatures below 10°C; otherwise, they will quickly wilt if left at room temperature. Chinese cherries, on the other hand, can remain fresh for several days at room temperature due to the use of preservatives.
American cherries (left) and Chinese cherries (right)
Further Reading: Comprehensive Guide to Differentiating American and Chinese Cherries
The cherry varieties highlighted above are among the most popular worldwide, and you can purchase them through our website at competitive prices. We hope this article has provided you with interesting and useful information.
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