Not all cherries are created equal. To a true foodie, the variety of cherry matters just as much as freshness. Different cherry types vary in sweetness, texture, size, and seasonality, which is why some cherries taste incredible while others feel underwhelming.
This guide breaks down the most popular cherry varieties, where they come from, when they’re in season, and how they compare — so you can choose cherries like a pro.
🍒 Bing Cherries
Origin: United States (Washington, Oregon, California)
Season: June – August (Northern Hemisphere)
Bing cherries are one of the most widely known cherry varieties. They’re deep red, glossy, and juicy, with a classic cherry flavour that balances sweetness and mild acidity.
Foodie notes:
Bing cherries are rich and satisfying, but slightly softer than premium late-season varieties.
Average size: 24–26 mm
Ratings:
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Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
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Texture: ⭐⭐⭐☆
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Size: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🍒 Lapins Cherries
Origin: Canada (developed), widely grown in Australia & New Zealand
Season: December – February (Southern Hemisphere)
Lapins cherries are extremely popular in Malaysia due to their consistent sweetness and firm crunch. They’re self-fertile, which allows growers to produce high-quality fruit reliably.
Foodie notes:
Sweet, approachable, and crowd-pleasing. Excellent for gifting and first-time cherry buyers.
Average size: 26–28 mm
Ratings:
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Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
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Texture: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
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Size: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Shop our most popular cherry gift boxes here. Note: As this item is very popular, stocks are limited!
🍒 Sour Cherries
Origin: Europe & North America
Season: June – July
Sour cherries, also known as tart cherries, are very different from sweet cherry varieties. They have a bright acidity and sharp flavour, making them unsuitable for casual snacking but excellent for cooking and baking.
Foodie notes:
Best used in pies, sauces, jams, and desserts. Foodies who enjoy bold, tangy flavours appreciate sour cherries for their complexity.
Average size: 20–22 mm
Ratings:
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Taste: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (for eating fresh)
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Texture: ⭐⭐⭐☆
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Size: ⭐⭐⭐☆
🍒 Tulare Cherries
Origin: United States (California)
Season: June – July
Tulare cherries are large and attractive but tend to be milder in sweetness compared to Bing or Lapins.
Foodie notes:
Visually impressive, but flavour can be less intense.
Average size: 26–28 mm
Ratings:
-
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐☆
-
Texture: ⭐⭐⭐☆
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Size: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🍒 Rainier Cherries (Yellow Cherries)
Origin: United States (Washington)
Season: June – July
Rainier cherries are golden-yellow with a red blush and are exceptionally sweet but softer than red cherries.
Foodie notes:
Very sweet and delicate. Best enjoyed immediately after purchase.
Average size: 24–26 mm
Ratings:
-
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Texture: ⭐⭐⭐☆
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Size: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🇦🇺 Australian Cherries vs 🇳🇿 New Zealand Cherries
Most cherries available in Malaysia during year-end come from Australia and New Zealand, commonly Lapins, Kordia, and Regina varieties.
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Australian cherries: Sweeter, juicier, more crowd-friendly
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New Zealand cherries: Firmer, more acidic, more complex
Foodies who enjoy bold sweetness often prefer Australian cherries, while those who enjoy contrast may lean toward New Zealand varieties.
📊 Cherry Variety Comparison Table
| Variety | Origin | Season | Avg Size (mm) | Taste | Texture | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bing | USA | Jun–Aug | 24–26 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Lapins | AU / NZ | Dec–Feb | 26–28 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sour | EU / USA | Jun–Jul | 20–22 | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Tulare | USA | Jun–Jul | 26–28 | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rainier | USA | Jun–Jul | 24–26 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Final Thoughts: Choosing Cherries Like a Foodie
If you want reliable sweetness and crunch, choose Lapins. Shop here
If you love intense sweetness, go for Rainier.
If you enjoy classic cherry flavour, Bing is still a solid choice.
Understanding cherry varieties helps you buy with confidence — whether for snacking, gifting, or festive occasions.
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