Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus)
Other names: Tart cherry
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
The cherry tree, also known as the tart cherry, is a species of tree in the rose family. It is a tree that reaches a height of 4 to 10 metres. Its leaves are elliptic to obovate, serrated at the edges. In spring, before leafing out, it blooms white flowers in clusters. The fruit is a small spherical drupe which can be either sweet or sour, depending on the variety. The fruit is very popular for its specific flavour profile and nutritional benefits.
The cherry is widely used in the food industry. Ripe cherries are eaten fresh but are also used to make compotes, jams, marmalades, preserves and other types of cherry preserves. Cherry juices and syrups are also very popular. The sour varieties are often used in bakery and confectionery, where they are incorporated into various tarts, cakes and other sweet dishes. Sour cherry is also used to make certain types of alcoholic beverages, especially wine and liqueurs. In medicine, cherries are used to make various syrups and teas that have a beneficial effect on the human body.
Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) can be found in the following products
