When summer begins and the days grow longer and warmer, it's time for sweet cherries . These glossy red to dark purple fruits are among the most popular summer fruits. Their sweet aroma, pleasant juiciness, and versatility make them a true delight. But sweet cherries aren't just a culinary delight—the cherry tree is also a popular choice in the garden. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about their origin, cultivation, care, and delicious recipes for using sweet cherries.
Where does the sweet cherry come from?
The sweet cherry (Prunus avium) has a long history. It originally comes from the forests of Asia Minor and the region of what is now the Caucasus . Over 2,000 years ago, Roman legionaries brought the sweet fruit to Central Europe. The city of Kerasos (now Giresun in Turkey) is considered the cherry's namesake. From there, the cultivated plant spread throughout Europe and was cultivated for centuries.
Today, sweet cherries can be found worldwide in temperate climates. Germany is one of the leading cherry-growing countries in Europe, with regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony particularly known for their high-quality cherry production.
What does the sweet cherry tree look like?
A sweet cherry tree is a valuable addition to any garden, not only for its fruit, but also for its stately appearance. Depending on the variety and location, the cherry tree can grow between 10 and 20 meters tall . Its crown is broad and spreading, and its dense foliage lends it a majestic appearance.
The spring flowering period is particularly striking: The tree is then covered in white, slightly fragrant blossoms that not only magically attract bees but also provide a true natural spectacle. The leaves are elongated, serrated, and often turn bright yellow to red in autumn – a colorful end to the gardening year.
What does the cherry tree need for good growth and cherries?
A healthy and productive cherry tree has certain requirements regarding location and care:
- Light & warmth: Sweet cherries love sunny, warm spots. Only with sufficient sunlight do the fruits develop their full sweetness and intense aroma.
- Soil quality: The soil should be deep, humus-rich, and well-drained. Sweet cherries do not tolerate waterlogging well, as it can lead to root rot.
- Air circulation: Good ventilation around the tree prevents fungal diseases such as monilia tip blight or leaf spot .
- Pollination: Many sweet cherry varieties are self-sterile, meaning they require a second, genetically different variety nearby to be pollinated and produce fruit. Therefore, if you plan to grow your own, you should consider choosing the right pollinator variety.
Proper care of cherry trees
With proper care, your cherry tree will remain vital and bear abundant fruit for many years:
- Pruning: The best time for pruning is immediately after harvest. Remove crossing, inward-growing, or old branches. This allows more light to reach the crown, improving fruit quality.
- Fertilization: In spring, the tree will appreciate a dose of compost or organic fertilizer. However, excessive nitrogen should be avoided, as it promotes growth but at the expense of fruit quality.
- Watering: During dry periods, it is important to water the tree sufficiently – especially during fruit formation.
- Pest control: Watch out for cherry fruit flies – they lay their eggs inside the fruit, leading to maggot infestation. Yellow fruit fly traps or cherry fruit fly nets can help prevent this.
Delicious and sweet fruits. What's in sweet cherries
In addition to their incomparable taste, sweet cherries also offer health benefits:
- Vitamins: They contain vitamin C, A and some B vitamins.
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium are contained in significant amounts.
- Antioxidants: Anthocyanins (the pigments of dark varieties) in particular have a strong antioxidant effect.
- Fiber: Regular consumption supports digestion.
- Low in calories: 100 grams of cherries contain only about 60 calories – ideal for those conscious about their figure.
This combination makes sweet cherries a valuable part of a healthy diet.
Harvesting and using sweet cherries
The harvest time for sweet cherries is between mid-June and the end of July , depending on the variety and region. You can recognize fully ripe fruits by their intense color and the fact that they can be easily removed from the branch, stem included.
It's best to harvest in the early morning when it's still cool. This way, the fruit stays fresh longer. Sweet cherries should be consumed or processed as quickly as possible, as they don't keep well. However, if well refrigerated, they will keep fresh for several days.
Tip: Never wash cherries before storing them – otherwise they will spoil faster.
Delicious cherry cake that always turns out well
A moist cherry pie is a classic summer dish. Here's a tried-and-true recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500 g pitted sweet cherries
- 200 g soft butter
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 250 g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- Optional: some vanilla sugar or lemon zest
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C top/bottom heat.
- Beat butter, sugar and vanilla sugar until fluffy.
- Stir in eggs one at a time.
- Mix flour, baking powder and salt and fold in carefully.
- Pour the batter into a greased springform pan and spread the cherries evenly on top.
- Bake for about 45 minutes. Test with a wooden skewer.
Serve the cake with powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream – a treat for the whole family!
Download the cherry cake recipe as a PDF and bake it yourself.
Make your own cherry liqueur
An aromatic cherry liqueur is a true classic and easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 500 g pitted, ripe sweet cherries
- 200 g sugar
- 1 vanilla pod
- 750 ml vodka or double grain schnapps
Preparation:
- Place cherries and sugar in a large, sealable container.
- Cut the vanilla pod lengthwise and add it.
- Pour alcohol over the mixture, seal, and let it steep in a dark place for 6–8 weeks. Shake occasionally.
- Then strain through a sieve or cloth and fill into sterile bottles.
The liqueur will keep for at least a year – but will probably run out sooner!
Download the delicious cherry liqueur recipe as a PDF.
Cooking cherry jam
Cherry jam is not only delicious on breakfast bread, but also a wonderful gift from the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pitted sweet cherries
- 500 g gelling sugar 2:1
- Juice of half a lemon
Preparation:
- Roughly puree the cherries or halve them, depending on your preference.
- Mix with sugar and lemon juice in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil while stirring and simmer for at least 4 minutes.
- Immediately pour into prepared, sterile jars and seal tightly.
- Turn glasses upside down for a few minutes.
How to preserve summer in a jar! Download the cherry jam recipe now!
Conclusion on sweet cherries
Sweet cherries are a true gift from nature – they delight with their flavor, health benefits, and versatility. Anyone who has their own cherry tree in the garden can count on fresh cherries year after year. But it's also worth picking up cherry cherries at the farmers' market during cherry season. Whether as a snack, dessert, jam, or liqueur – these sweet little fruits bring joy to the table.
Sweet Cherries: Frequently Asked Questions
What are sweet cherries good for?
Sweet cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can help reduce inflammation, protect cells, and support the cardiovascular system. Their fiber also promotes healthy digestion.
What is the best sweet cherry?
It’s a matter of taste – some popular varieties:
- Burlat: Very early ripening, sweet and soft
- Kordia: Dark, firm, very aromatic
- Regina: Late ripening, large fruits, good storage capacity
It's best to try different varieties and find your favorite.
What is the difference between sweet and sour cherries?
Sweet cherries are milder and best eaten fresh. Sour cherries, on the other hand, are smaller, more acidic, and are usually used in jams, compotes, or cakes.
What is the difference between morello cherries and sweet cherries?
Morello cherries are a type of sour cherry. They are very juicy, soft, and particularly tart. Sweet cherries, on the other hand, have firm flesh and a sweeter flavor—ideal for eating raw.
