Cherries vs. Tart Cherries

When it comes to fruit, there is a wide spectrum of preferred tastes that people experience. Some people only enjoy sweet fruits that are perfectly ripe or even overripe, some prefer the sour and tart sides of the spectrum, and some feel a combination of both depending on the type of fruit and the context.

For example, most people prefer a sweet fruit for snacking but might prefer its tart or bitter counterpart within the context of a recipe or beverage. Unlike many fruits, there are types of cherries that are specifically grown to be sweet and juicy and types that are specifically grown to be sour or tart.

Why Do People Like Sweet Cherries?

Sweet cherries are best when harvested in the summer and can be a delicious snack right off the stem. When it comes to the health benefits such as vitamins and minerals, regular cherries vs. tart cherries are less studied but are assumed to provide a host of health benefits just like tart cherries do. In addition to a delicious snack on their own, sweet cherries are great in salads as well as many other kinds of recipes.

Why Do People Like Tart Cherries?

In the debate of sweet cherries vs. tart cherries, most people will reach for sweeter cherries if they’re looking to eat the fruit on its own, even if they enjoy a tart taste. However, tart cherries can be extremely useful for fermenting into jams and compotes as well as juicing into a tangy and refreshing beverage.

Montmorency cherries, the most common type of tart cherry, make up the majority of all cherry-based jams, jellies, compotes, and similar products available today. Tart cherries are high in antioxidants, help to lower cholesterol, reduce arthritis and gout symptoms, and can even prevent heart disease.