Definition

1. Noun (Countable):
   • A type of cherry tree (Prunus cerasus): A rather small Eurasian tree that produces red to black, tart, edible fruit.
   • The fruit of this tree: Acid cherries, typically used for cooking in pies and preserves, rather than for eating fresh.

Usage

• The term "sour cherry" refers specifically to the species , distinguishing it from the sweeter common or wild cherry ().
• It is used to identify both the tree and its fruit, with context usually making the meaning clear.

Examples

• Referring to the tree:
  • We planted a sour cherry in the backyard for making jam.
  • The sour cherry is hardier than the sweet cherry tree.
• Referring to the fruit:
  • This pie is made with sour cherries.
  • She prefers sour cherry preserves on her toast.

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Context: "Sour cherry" is a standard term in cooking and baking recipes, specifying the type of cherry required for its characteristic tart flavor.
  • The recipe calls for two cups of pitted sour cherries.

Variants and Related Words

• Morello cherry: A specific dark-red variety of sour cherry.
• Montmorency cherry: A popular light-red variety of sour cherry, often used for pies.
• Tart cherry: A common synonym for "sour cherry."
• Prunus cerasus: The botanical Latin name for the sour cherry tree.

Synonyms

• Tart cherry (n): A direct synonym for the fruit.
• Pie cherry (n): Highlights its common culinary use.

Different Meanings

• The definition mentions an "Australian tree with sour red fruit." This refers to a different species, , sometimes called the "coolamon" or "rose apple," which is not a true cherry. In most contexts, "sour cherry" refers to the Eurasian .

Noun

1. acid cherries used for pies and preserves
2. Australian tree with sour red fruit
3. rather small Eurasian tree producing red to black acid edible fruit