Recent testing of antitransparents has shown them to have promise in reducing cracking. Many common cultivars were originally developed in Europe and brought to this country. European cultivars still grown in the United States are Black Tartarian, Napolean, Hedelfingen, and Schmidt. Windsor, Vista, Van, Vega, Summit, and Stella are cultivars developed in Canada. Ulster and Hudson were recently introduced in New York, while Angella and Utah Giant were recently introduced in Utah.
Hearts are mostly soft-fleshed fruit best suited for home use or eating fresh.
Light-colored hearts produce nearly colorless juice and have a predominantly yellow skin with or without a red blush. Dark-colored hearts have red to deep red juice, and soft fruit. Black Tartarian is the best known example. Bigarreaus produce firmer fruit and are widely planted by the commercial industry. The lights have yellowish skin and nearly colorless juice, and are used mainly for brining and maraschino production.