Morello cherries have a unique sweet-tart taste that sets them apart from other cherry varieties. While Bing and Rainier cherries tend to be sweeter, Morellos offer a more complex flavor profile with pronounced sour notes.
Sweet-Tart Flavor
The most identifiable characteristic of Morello cherries is their sweet-tart taste. When ripe, they offer a vibrant, fruity sweetness balanced by a bright, tangy acidity. This makes them more sour than typical sweet cherries, but still much sweeter than fully sour pie cherries.
Many describe the sweet-tart flavor as reminiscent of other fruits like plums, berries, and pomegranates. The sourness is not overwhelming but rather complements the sweetness. This nuanced blend of flavors is what makes Morellos so versatile for cooking and baking.
Fruit Forward Flavors
In addition to the signature sweet-tartness, Morello cherries offer diverse fruit-forward flavors:
- Berry notes – Hints of raspberry, strawberry, blackberry
- Stone fruit tones – Plum, apricot, peach
- Citrus nuances – Tart cherry, grapefruit, blood orange
- Floral essence – Cherry blossom, rose, hibiscus
These flavors develop as the cherry ripens and are most pronounced when eaten fresh at peak ripeness. When cooked, the fruit flavors become more concentrated into a rich, jammy cherry taste.
Complex Texture
Morello cherries have a smooth, juicy flesh when ripe. The skin is thin yet sturdy, with a slight chewiness. The flesh offers a supple, silky texture that easily separates from the pit.
When cooked, Morellos soften into a lush jam-like consistency while retaining a bit of shape. Drying concentrates the flavors and produces chewy, leathery dried cherries.
Subtle Aromatics
In terms of aroma, Morello cherries exude sweet, bright cherry notes along with subtle flower blossom undertones. The fragrance intensifies as the cherries fully ripen.
When baked into pies, tarts, and other desserts, they envelop the kitchen with aromas of warm cherry fruit filling mingled with aromatic spices.
Minimal Bitterness
Compared to other tart cherry varieties, Morellos lack the harsh bitterness or astringency you may find in pie cherries. Even with the pronounced sourness, they maintain a smooth, fruity flavor.
The pits contain small amounts of amygdalin that breaks down into the compound benzaldehyde, which can lend an almond-like bitterness. But the flesh itself provides pure cherry sweetness and acidity without harsh tannins.
Milder Seeds
Morello seeds contribute little to no bitterness. The seeds have a green, vegetal flavor reminiscent of cherry pits. But they lack the intense bitterness of black cherry pits that can leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
How Morello Cherries Differ from Other Cherries
To fully appreciate the Morello cherry’s unique taste, it helps to compare it to other major cherry varieties:
Vs. Bing Cherries
- Bing cherries are very sweet with little sourness
- Morellos offer more balanced sweet-tartness
- Bings have a simple cherry candy flavor
- Morellos provide a more complex fruit profile
Vs. Rainier Cherries
- Rainiers are exceptionally sweet and low acid
- Morellos have pronounced sour notes to balance the sweetness
- Rainiers taste like pure cherry sweetness
- Morellos deliver added complexity from sourness and fruit overtones
Vs. Black Cherries
- Black cherries run quite sweet but with light sour undertones
- Morellos offer a more even blend of sweet and sour
- Black cherries can have an bitter aftertaste from pits
- Morellos provide pure fruit flavors without harsh tannins
Vs. Sour Pie Cherries
- Pie cherries are mouth-puckeringly tart and bitter
- Morellos offer a pleasant sweetness to balance the sourness
- Pie cherries mainly provide intense sour notes
- Morellos deliver a more nuanced depth of fruit flavors
How to Bring out the Best Flavors
To highlight the signature sweet-tart essence of Morello cherries:
- Enjoy fresh at room temperature – Chilling dulls the flavors
- Eat in-season for peak ripeness
- Avoid overcooking when baking – Preserves texture and flavors
- Pair with contrasting foods – Rich cheeses, dark chocolate, roasted meats
- Macerate in sugar or alcohol – Draws out juices and flavors
- Add a pinch of salt when cooking – Enhances and balances sweet-tartness
Popular Uses for Morello Cherries
The dynamic sweet-tart flavor and smooth texture make Morellos extremely versatile in the kitchen. Popular uses include:
- Pies – Morello cherry pie is a classic
- Tarts – Great in fresh fruit tarts
- Cakes/Pastries – Use in cherry danishes, scones, strudels
- Jams/Preserves – Cook into jams, chutneys, compotes
- Salads – Toss with mixed greens, cheese, nuts
- Meats – Sauce for duck, pork, game meats
- Beverages – Juice, cocktails, cherry wine
Popular Morello Cherry Dishes and Recipes
Here are some top ways to enjoy Morello cherries:
Morello Cherry Pie
Morello cherry pie is a classic use that highlights the fruit’s bright flavors. The sweet-tart filling is enhanced by subtle spice flavors and a flaky crust.
Dark Chocolate Morello Cherry Bark
The sweet-tart cherries pair perfectly with rich, dark chocolate. Simply melt chocolate, mix in chopped Morello cherries, and spread onto a sheet to cool.
Morello Cherry Clafoutis
This rustic French dessert bakes Morello cherries into a custardy batter. As it bakes, the juices from the fruit create streaks of sweet-tart flavor throughout.
Morello Cherry Upside-Down Cake
Caramelized Morello cherries dotted throughout create a lovely topping when flipped over this upside-down fruit cake.
Morello Cherry Crisp
For a simple dessert, bake Morello cherries under a crispy oat streusel topping. Serve warm with ice cream.
Morello Cherry Lamb Tagine
Morello cherries impart wonderful sweet-sour notes when braised with fall-apart tender lamb and warm Moroccan spices.
Charcuterie Board with Morello Cherries
Fresh Morello cherries make a perfect accompaniment to rich meats, cheeses, and crackers on a savory charcuterie board.
Morello Cherry Old Fashioned
Muddle fresh Morello cherries and bourbon together for a riff on the classic cocktail with hints of sweet-tart cherry.
Where to Buy Morello Cherries
Here are some tips for finding fresh Morello cherries:
- Farmers markets – Look for stands selling locally grown cherries in season
- Specialty grocers – Well-stocked stores may carry imported Morellos
- Online merchants – Order from fruit delivery services
- Grow your own – Plant a Morello cherry tree if you live in a suitable climate
If fresh Morellos aren’t available, you can still enjoy their flavor:
- Canned Morello cherries
- Jarred Morello cherry preserves
- Dried Morello cherries
- Morello cherry juice concentrate
When are Morello cherries in season?
Most Morello cherries are available during a short season from early to mid summer. Peak season varies slightly based on growing region:
- California: Early May through June
- Oregon/Washington: Mid May through July
- Michigan: Early June through mid July
- Northeast: Late June into August
In warmer climates like California, the season can start a few weeks earlier in April. Morello cherry trees flower in spring, and it takes about 60 days after flowering before the cherries are ready to harvest.
How to tell when Morello cherries are ripe
Follow these tips for identifying perfectly ripe Morello cherries:
- Color – Deep ruby red without green undertones
- Texture – Plump, firm yet yields slightly to gentle pressure
- Stem – Intact, green, and pliable
- Aroma – Sweet and distinctly cherry
- Taste – Complex sweet-tart flavor at its peak
Underripe Morello cherries will be lighter red with tough, bitter flesh. Overripe cherries feel mushy or shriveled and lack the vibrant sour notes.
How to store Morello cherries
Follow proper storage methods to enjoy fresh Morello cherries as long as possible:
- Refrigerate unwashed cherries promptly in a perforated bag – Prevents mold and moisture loss
- Wash just before eating – Wetness speeds spoilage
- Use within 3-5 days for best quality and taste
- Freeze for longer storage – Wash, pit, and freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to bags
- Can or pickle for extended shelf life
The optimal storage temperature is 30-32°F. Warmer temperatures accelerate deterioration. Signs of spoilage include mold, softness, and fermented odors.
Interesting facts about Morello cherries
- Morellos are smaller and more oval than most sweet cherries
- The variety dates back centuries to the Roman empire
- They are used to make true sour cherry products like maraschino cherries
- Most Morello cherries are grown in Europe and western Asia
- California provides about 75% of US commercial production
- Morello cherry trees thrive in cooler climates with adequate winter chilling
Nutrition Facts
Morello cherries are packed with beneficial nutrients and antioxidants while being low calorie.
One cup (155g) of raw Morello cherries contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 87 |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Vitamin A | 3% DV |
| Vitamin K | 3% DV |
| Potassium | 4% DV |
| Copper | 4% DV |
| Manganese | 4% DV |
Health Benefits
Morello cherries provide important health benefits:
- Antioxidants – Contain anthocyanins and other antioxidants that reduce inflammation and may lower disease risk
- Melatonin – Provide small amounts of melatonin that promotes sleep
- Anti-inflammatory – Sour cherry compounds like cyanidin have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce joint pain or muscle soreness after exercise
- Heart health – Rich in potassium, fiber and polyphenols that support heart health
Tart cherry juice is especially popular for athletic recovery, pain relief, and sleep support.
Possible Side Effects
Morello cherries are safe for most people but may cause issues in some cases:
- Allergic reaction in those with cherry allergy
- Gastrointestinal upset if eaten in excess
- Dangerously low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medication
- Kidney problems, gout flares or drug interactions for those prone to high uric acid levels
Enjoy Morello cherries in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Consult your healthcare provider with any concerns.
Conclusion
With their signature sweet-tart taste, juicy texture, and complex fruit flavors, Morello cherries offer a uniquely delicious flavor profile. Their well-balanced sweetness and acidity make them more complex than typical sweet cherries. Morello cherries provide the chance to enjoy one of summer’s fleeting seasonal ingredients at its best. Their vibrant flavors and versatility shine whether eaten fresh, baked into desserts, or added to savory dishes.