Rainier Cherries vs. Red Cherries: Which Is Right for You?

If you’ve found yourself at the office fruit station debating Rainier cherries vs. red cherries, you’re clearly a snacker of taste. Both are sensational in their own right, and they’re so sweet and juicy that it’s tough to know which to go for first. That said, there are a few key differences that can help you decide whether Rainier cherries or red cherries are the best choice for the moment you’re in. Let’s dig into those variations, when to choose each type, and another common cherry variety you shouldn’t miss.

Rainier Cherries vs. Red Cherries at a Glance

You can tell Rainier cherries and red cherries apart by their color and flavor. Rainier cherries have yellow skin and a pretty red blush, while red cherries are—you guessed it—red! Bite into each one, and you’ll find red flesh inside the red cherries and pale yellow flesh inside the Rainiers. Rainiers are often sweeter, while red cherries have more anthocyanins, which are healthy antioxidants that give them their red color.

Different Types of Cherries

You may think that debating Rainier cherries vs. red cherries means you’re considering all of your options. But once you truly crack open the door to the world of cherries, you’ll find dozens of distinct varieties to behold. From enigmatic, burgundy Black Pearls to heart-shaped, blackberry-flavored Brooks cherries, the choices are anything but the pits.

You can break cherry varieties down into three main categories.

Red Cherries (Like the Bing)

Red cherries just aren’t one variety: They’re a broad category of Prunus avium (sweet cherry) fruits that just happen to ripen up to the color red inside and out. Bing cherries are the most popular of the bunch, but here at The FruitGuys, Hartland cherries from Kauffman Orchards and Sequoia® cherries from New Excelsior Farming (via The Flavor Tree Fruit Company) are also fan-favorites in our fruit deliveries. Red cherries are packed with healthy fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants and may even help you sleep.

White Cherries (Like the Rainier)

White cherries are also Prunus avium, but without the suntan of red cherries. They tend to have yellow skin, with or without a red blush, and sweet cream-colored flesh. Rainiers are the most popular white cherry, but there are others out there, including Royal Rainier cherries (which blush redder and ripen earlier) and Gold cherries (which are fully yellow). No, these cherries aren’t genetically modified. Farmers just select the best from Mother Nature!

Tart Cherries (Like the Montmorency)

Tart cherries are a different beast from yellow or white—literally. They’re Prunus cerasus (tart or sour cherry), not Prunus avium. Tart cherries live up to their name and are traditionally reserved for pie bakers and jam makers because of their lip-puckering flavor, but we recommend giving them a try before you cook them. They’re nutrient-rich and are even better for you than their sweet cousins, especially when you eat them raw.

Snack on any of these varieties (especially sour ones) and you’ll reap the many health benefits of eating cherries.

When to Choose Rainier Cherries or Red Cherries

You really can’t go wrong with either contender in the Rainier cherries vs. red cherries debate. But considering how you’ll use the cherries might help.

• Snacking: Both Rainiers and red cherries are sensational for snacking, but go for Rainiers if you want something super sweet.
• Baking: Red cherries edge out Rainiers when it comes to baking; they hold their shape and have a more complex flavor. Sweet Rainiers can be a bit one-note. Honorable mention to tart cherries—they’re also baking superstars.
• Jams and Sauces: Red cherries and tart cherries are best for jams and sauces, since they bring a more interesting flavor profile to the table and can hold their own against lots of spices.
• Salads and Bowls: Both red cherries and Rainiers are great for pitting and slicing over salad or sprinkling on top of yogurt or granola.

When in doubt, try both and compare your results. You might disagree with our picks!

Which Cherry Is Best? It’s Up to You!

Ultimately, the best cherry for you is a personal decision. We recommend getting your hands on all three types and doing a taste test. The more fruit you try, the more you can refine your preferences. There’s no wrong answer when it comes to fresh fruit.

Where to Buy Rainier and Red Cherries

You can find both Rainier and red cherries in The FruitGuys’ office fruit deliveries during peak season, depending on your fruit mix and region. To see what we’re delivering to homes and offices near you right now, check out This Week’s Mixes!