What Is Montmorency Tart Cherry? A Simple Guide

You'll see "Montmorency" on a lot of tart cherry products. Here's what it actually means and why it's worth checking the label for.

Sweet cherries vs tart cherries

There are two main families of cherry. Sweet cherries are the dark, juicy ones you buy by the punnet to eat fresh. Tart cherries, also called sour cherries, are smaller, brighter red and much sharper. They're mostly used for baking, juice, dried fruit and supplements.

What Montmorency means

Montmorency is one particular variety of tart cherry. It takes its name from the Montmorency valley near Paris, where it was grown for centuries. Today it is widely grown in North America and Europe, and it is the variety you'll most often see named in tart cherry juices, dried cherries and supplements.

Why the variety matters on a label

A label that just says "cherry" could mean sweet cherry, black cherry or a blend. If you're specifically looking for Montmorency tart cherry, check that the word Montmorency is printed on the pack.

What "10:1" means

Supplements often show a ratio such as 10:1. This tells you how concentrated the extract is: roughly ten parts of cherry were used to make one part of extract. It's a measure of concentration, so compare like with like when you look at different brands.

How people use it

Montmorency tart cherry is eaten dried, drunk as juice, or taken as a capsule. Capsules are the simplest option if you don't like the sour taste or want to avoid the sugar in juice.

Cherrily is made from 100% Montmorency tart cherry extract in a sugar-free capsule, with free UK shipping and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you take any medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.