Cherries are stone fruits (or "drupes") of the genus "prunus" like peaches, plums and apricots. Cherries are part of the rose family and are also related to almonds. Cherries are first mentioned by the Ancient Greeks and seem to have originated in that part of the world, which includes modern day Turkey, where sour cherry juice is still a popular drink.

Cherries are a prized sweet (and sometimes sour) fruit. Persian cooking, in particular, uses cherries as a savory flavoring for meat dishes.

Sweet cherries are pried as a raw dessert fruit. Sour cherries are used for pie fillings and preserves and black or Morello cherries are essential for Black Forest cake and the clear liqueur kirsch.  To learn more, read our report on a cherry tasting we attended in 2009.