Sour cherries are rounder, softer, and smaller than sweet cherries. Unlike sweet cherries, which can be eaten out of hand, sour cherries are best when sweetened and cooked.

In Season: Sour cherries have an exceptionally short season and are usually available in June and July.

What to Look For: Choose cherries that are bright scarlet, plump, and firm; avoid bruised, soft ones and those with brown stems.

How to Store: Unwashed fruit should keep in your refrigerator for up to a week (wash right before eating, as water can cause the cherry to soften and split).