Cherries

The cherry is indigenous to Eurasia and has been cultivated since antiquity The cherry is a fleshy drupe that possesses a single stone at its center. This stone fruit boasts hundreds of varieties, all of which belong to two edible and noticeably different species: sweet and sour. Some cherry varieties are grown exclusively for ornamental purposes, such as the Japanese flowering cherry (Prunus serrulata).

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium) belong to two different groupings: Bigarreus and Geans/Guiñes. Sweet cherries are generally larger, firm fleshed, and heart shaped compared to sour cherries. Those that belong to the Biggareus variety, like the Napoleon, have firm, crisp flesh. They are generally large and are pale with a light blush, possessing a slightly tart flesh. Other varieties include Bing, Royal Anne (also known as White Napoleon), and Black Schmidt. They are best eaten out of hand, in pastries, and in preserves. The Geans or Guiñes varieties are softer, have fragrant and juicy flesh, and come in a variety of colors. Popular Geans varieties include Black Tartarian, Rainier, and Swiss Black.