Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Berry

40 pairings

The chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a small, intensely astringent wild stone fruit borne in long drooping clusters on a shrub or small tree native across much of North America. Mouth-puckeringly tart and bitter when raw, it is rarely eaten fresh but prized for jellies, syrups, wines and the traditional foods of many Indigenous peoples.

Picking a good onedrag

UnderripeOverripe

Deep red-purpleJuicier and sweeter, still markedly tart and tannic. Simmer it and strain the juice off the stones whole for jelly or syrup - never mash or blend the pits in.Cook and strain

ColourTurned deep red-purple, the red going dark all over

The squeezeFirm and full, gives a fraction and springs straight back

SmellDark cherry coming up under a hard tart edge

Reading a just ripe one. Move the slider and the rest of this page — nutrition, pairings — re-scores with it.

Preparing