Throughout the centuries cherries have been admired for their delicious taste as well as their beauty. Sweet cherries are larger and more firm than sour cherries and are best eaten fresh rather than cooked. The most popular sweet varieties are the dark-colored bing , lambert and tartarian and the golden Royal Ann cherries. Sour cherries are more globular and soft than sweet cherries and are best used for dessert making.
Sour cherries are available year round in their canned form.
Although cherries may not be high in traditional vitamins and minerals there is new research that they may provide pain relief and improved bone health, play a role in the prevention of heart disease and possibly help prevent some forms of cancer. Researches suspect that the antioxidant properties in cherries may play a role in the prevention of some of the aforementioned diseases. Boron consumption coupled with a good intake of calcium and magnesium have been linked to increased bone health. They will be available for your snacking enjoyment through August. It is best to inspect each cherry for plumpness and select those without blemishes or bruises.