Cherries

Cherries are a glossy deep-red stone fruit, related to the plum, peach and apricot. There are more than 1000 varieties, which can be broadly grouped into three types: sweet, sour and hybrids. Sweet cherries can be eaten raw or cooked, and include napoleon, bing and rainier. Sour cherries are usually cooked in pies, added to jams or used as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, and include the morello and montmorency. Hybrids, such as duke cherries can be used for both eating and cooking.

Buy cherries with their stems on and use any without their stems first as they don’t last as long. The stems should be pliable: brown, brittle stems indicate the cherries are old. Store sweet cherries in the fridge for up to 1 week; sour cherries will keep for several weeks.