Skip to Content

Can I substitute tart cherries for sweet cherries?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can substitute tart cherries for sweet cherries in most recipes. While sweet and tart cherries have slightly different flavors, they can generally be swapped 1:1 in cooking and baking. The main difference is that tart cherries provide a more pronounced sour taste. Adjust sugar or sweetener in the recipe as needed when using tart cherries as a substitute.

Differences Between Tart and Sweet Cherries

Tart and sweet cherries belong to two different species of the Prunus genus:

Tart Cherries Sweet Cherries
Prunus cerasus Prunus avium

Some key differences between the two include:

  • Tart cherries (also known as sour cherries) provide a more tart, acidic taste compared to sweet cherries.
  • Tart cherries tend to have a deeper red color.
  • Tart cherries are smaller and softer in texture than sweet cherries.
  • Popular varieties of tart cherries include Montmorency, Balaton, and Morello. Popular sweet cherry varieties include Bing, Rainier, Brooks, and Skeena.
  • Tart cherries contain higher levels of certain nutrients including vitamin C and antioxidants like anthocyanins.

Despite some variation in taste, texture, color, and nutrition, tart and sweet cherries can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

Substituting Tart for Sweet Cherries in Recipes

When substituting tart cherries in a recipe that calls for sweet cherries, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Use an equal amount of tart cherries to replace sweet cherries. The substitution ratio is 1:1.
  • If the recipe does not already include added sugar or other sweetener, you may need to increase the amount of sugar used. Start by adding 2-4 Tbsp extra sugar per 1 cup of tart cherries and adjust to taste.
  • In recipes like cherry pie where cherries are the star ingredient, you may want to use a combo of sweet and tart cherries for a more complex, balanced flavor.
  • For baked goods, adjust any spices like cinnamon to complement the tart cherry flavor.
  • In sauces, chutneys, and compotes, the extra tartness from sour cherries is usually desirable and may require less added sweetener.
  • When using canned tart cherries, make sure to account for any extra liquid in the syrup.
  • Tart cherries tend to be more soft and tender than firm sweet cherries. This can affect texture in some recipes.
  • For cocktails, tart cherries make an excellent sub for sweet cherries and provide a nice balance of sweet and sour.

Always taste your recipe along the way when substituting tart for sweet cherries and adjust sweetener, spices, or cooking times if needed.

Recipes Where Tart Cherries Work Well

Tart cherries make a great substitute for sweet cherries in these recipes:

  • Pies – Cherry pie is a classic dessert where you can use all tart cherries or a mix of sweet and tart.
  • Cobblers and crisps – The tender fruit works perfectly in these homey baked fruit desserts.
  • Muffins and breads – Substitute an equal amount of tart cherries in recipes like cherry muffins, scones, and tea breads.
  • Pancakes and waffles – Add a touch of tart cherry flavor to breakfast baked goods. Use cherry compote as a topping.
  • Salads – Fresh tart cherries give a flavor punch to savory salads like spinach and cherry salad.
  • Sauces – The bright acidity of tart cherries is delicious in chutneys, compotes, and pan sauces for meats.
  • Cherry jam and preserves – Tart cherries make a tasty lower-sugar jam.
  • Dried and frozen cherries – Use dried tart cherries anywhere you’d use raisins or dried fruit. Frozen cherries also work well in baked goods.
  • Cocktails – Tart cherries are right at home in mixed drinks, especially whiskey and cherry cocktails like a Manhattan.

With their eye-catching color and lip-puckering taste, tart cherries bring flavor and nutrition to both sweet and savory recipes. When fresh tart cherries are in season in mid-summer, take advantage by substituting them for sweet cherries in your favorite recipes.

Benefits of Tart Cherries

Beyond their bright, tangy taste, tart cherries deliver some stellar health benefits. Here’s an overview of the main evidence-based benefits of tart cherry consumption:

High in Antioxidants

Tart cherries contain high concentrations of antioxidant compounds, including anthocyanins and cyanidin. These health-promoting antioxidants give cherries their vivid red pigment and offer protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies show montmorency tart cherries contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants than sweet varieties.

May Reduce Inflammation

The anthocyanins unique to tart cherries display powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Some research indicates that eating tart cherries or drinking their juice may help lower inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO). This may reduce risk of chronic inflammation-related diseases.

Supports Exercise Recovery

Multiple studies demonstrate beneficial effects of tart cherry juice consumption for exercise recovery. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in tart cherries may help relieve post-exercise muscle soreness and damage. Tart cherry juice is a popular supplement among athletes for improving recovery after intense training.

May Improve Arthritis Symptoms

Some early research shows promise for tart cherries in reducing symptoms of arthritis, gout, and joint pain. The anti-inflammatory effects of tart cherries may be particularly beneficial for those with inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. More research is still needed.

May Improve Sleep Quality

Tart Montmorency cherries contain natural melatonin, a hormone involved in sleep regulation. Drinking tart cherry juice has been associated with slight improvements in sleep quality, sleep time, and reduced insomnia. This makes it a potential natural sleep aid.

May Support Heart Health

A few studies indicate that compounds in tart cherries like anthocyanins may help decrease factors like cholesterol and triglycerides that are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The blood pressure-lowering effects of tart cherries are also being investigated by researchers as beneficial for heart health.

While more research is still needed, the existing evidence on tart cherries is promising in terms of their potential health benefits. Enjoying tart cherries can be an easy and delicious way to add nutrients to your diet.

Storing and Preparing Tart Cherries

Here are some tips for getting the most out of fresh tart cherries:

  • Selecting: Look for plump, firm cherries with bright, shiny skin. Avoid any soft or bruised fruit.
  • Storing: Fresh cherries last about 1-2 weeks when refrigerated. Place loose (not washed) cherries in a bowl in the fridge.
  • Washing: Rinse just before eating. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Pitting: Use a cherry pitter or carefully push out the pit with a chopstick.
  • Freezing: Pit and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to bags or containers. Use within 1 year.
  • Compotes: Cook down with sugar and a splash of water into a thick syrupy topping.
  • Drying: Use a dehydrator or low oven to dry tart cherries for a chewy, nutritious snack.
  • Juice: Juice in a blender and strain out solids. Use immediately or freeze juice in ice cube trays for later use.

Enjoy these tasty ruby-red fruits fresh off the stem, in desserts, in salads or grain bowls, or blended into smoothies. Their signature tart flavor and impressive nutrient profile make tart cherries a delicious and healthy addition to any diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a tart cherry and a sour cherry?

Tart cherry and sour cherry are two common names that refer to the same type of fruit. Prunus cerasus is the species of cherry tree that produces small, bright red cherries with a tart, acidic taste. They are frequently used interchangeably with the term “sour cherries.”

Can you use frozen tart cherries in baking?

Yes, frozen tart cherries work very well in baked goods like pies, muffins, breads and cakes. No need to thaw first, just use them frozen. You may need to slightly reduce any added liquid in the recipe. Let baked goods cool completely before serving.

What can I make with tart cherry juice concentrate?

Tart cherry juice concentrate makes an easy, nutritious addition to:

  • – Smoothies
  • – Overnight oats
  • – Yogurt bowls
  • – Oatmeal
  • – Sauces and dressings
  • – Homemade popsicles
  • – Mocktails and cocktails

Mix with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a tasty dip or use for drizzling over desserts.

Can you eat tart cherries raw?

Yes, tart cherries can absolutely be enjoyed fresh, raw and uncooked. Their tangy flavor provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of other fruits. Enjoy them plain for a snack, in fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or topped over oatmeal or yogurt.

Do tart cherries need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it’s important to store fresh tart cherries in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage. Place them in a bowl or bag in the fridge unwashed up to 1-2 weeks. Wash just before eating. You can also freeze or can them for long term storage.

Conclusion

While sweet and tart cherries have some variation in taste and texture, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes. When substituting tart for sweet cherries, use an equal amount and adjust sugar or spices to complement the extra tartness. Enjoy the unique flavor, nutrition, and possible health benefits that tart cherries offer. With a little recipe tweaking, these ruby red fruits make a delicious and versatile substitute in either sweet or savory dishes.