Pie cherries, also known as tart or sour cherries, are distinct from their sweeter counterparts. Valued for their sharp, tangy flavor, they are well-suited for various culinary applications. Their tartness transforms beautifully in baked goods like pies and tarts, as well as in preserves and juices. Many home gardeners find pie cherries appealing due to their relatively easy cultivation and consistent yields.
Defining Pie Cherries
Pie cherries are smaller than sweet cherries, typically featuring brighter red skin and flesh. Their defining attribute is a pronounced tartness, which mellows considerably when cooked or processed. The flesh is often softer than sweet varieties, and they tend to have a higher juice content. Most pie cherry varieties are self-pollinating, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without needing a second tree for cross-pollination. This self-fertility, combined with their general hardiness, contributes to their popularity among home growers.
Common Pie Cherry Varieties
Montmorency
Montmorency is the most widely cultivated pie cherry variety, especially in North America. Its fruit features bright red skin and flesh, with a distinct tart flavor ideal for baking. These cherries typically ripen in mid-summer, offering a reliable harvest. The trees are semi-dwarf, reaching 12 to 18 feet, and are known for consistent production. Montmorency cherries are versatile for pies, jams, jellies, and juice, and are hardy in USDA Zones 4-8.
Balaton
Originating from Hungary, Balaton cherries are darker, deeper red than Montmorency, with firmer flesh and a slightly higher sugar content for a more balanced sweet-tart flavor. Medium to large, they ripen mid-summer, often a few days after Montmorency. The semi-dwarf trees (10-15 ft) exhibit good disease resistance. This variety excels in pies, preserves, and even fresh eating for those who appreciate a less intensely tart cherry, thriving in USDA Zones 5-8.
North Star
North Star is a dwarf pie cherry variety, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or container growing. The tree reaches only 8 to 10 feet, with a compact, upright growth habit. Its dark red, medium-sized fruit has a very tart flavor, ideal for processing into juice or baked goods. This variety is exceptionally cold-hardy (USDA Zones 3-8). North Star ripens early in the season, often in late June, and is known for reliable and abundant yields even in colder climates.
Meteor
The Meteor cherry is another cold-hardy semi-dwarf variety, growing to 10 to 14 feet with a spreading growth habit. Its bright red, medium-sized fruit is similar to Montmorency but often ripens later. Meteor cherries possess a good tart flavor, suitable for baking and preserves. This variety is well-adapted to USDA Zones 3-8, demonstrating strong resistance to common cherry diseases. Gardeners appreciate Meteor for its consistent production and ability to thrive in regions with harsh winters.
Evans Bali
Evans Bali stands out for its exceptional cold hardiness and vigorous growth, often reaching 10 to 14 feet tall and wide. This variety produces abundant crops of large, bright red cherries with a slightly milder tartness than Montmorency, making them more palatable for fresh eating. The fruit ripens mid-season, and the trees are known for consistent and heavy yields. Evans Bali is particularly resilient, thriving in USDA Zones 2-8, making it suitable for some of the coldest gardening regions. Its productivity and milder tartness make it a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
Choosing Your Ideal Pie Cherry
Choosing a pie cherry variety involves considering several factors. Your local climate and USDA hardiness zone are paramount, as each variety has a distinct range where it will thrive. Matching the cherry’s hardiness to your zone helps ensure successful growth and fruit production.
The available space in your garden also plays a significant role. Dwarf varieties like North Star are perfect for small yards or container planting, while semi-dwarf options such as Montmorency or Balaton require more room. Consider the mature size and spread of the tree for long-term planning.
Your intended use for the cherries and personal taste preference should also guide your selection. For classic tart pies, Montmorency or North Star are ideal due to their intense tartness. If you prefer a slightly milder tartness for fresh eating or versatile use, varieties like Balaton or Evans Bali could be more appealing.