Over the next several posts I am going to share some interesting and hard-to-find facts about cherries, cherry juice and more. Much of this information is a result of extensive research and reading. In addition to having information about the fresh and dried tart cherry, I'll also include information about cherry juice. There are two main types of cherries: sweet and sour. Sour cherries are lower in calories and higher in vitamin C and beta carotene than sweet cherries. SourMontgomery This variety is the best known sour cherry or tart cherry. It is mostly canned or frozen for use as pie filling or sauce. SweetBing This variety is the best known sweet cherry. It is large, round, extra-sweet and has a purple-red flesh and a deep red skin that is close to black when fully ripe. The Bing is available from the end of May until early August. Lambert This variety is the second most popular sweet cherry. It is smaller than the Bing and is more heart shaped. It has a dark-red skin and a rich flavor. Lamberts are available a bit longer than the Bing, usually until the end of August. Rainer This variety is sweet with a yellow or pinkish skin. It is milder and sweeter than the Bing. However, this variety is grown in limited quantities. Royal Ann This variety has a blush-yellow skin and is often canned or made into maraschino cherries.
