One of the most beautiful signs of spring is the flowering of the cherry tree, promising luscious fruit in a matter of a short few months. There are dessert recipes abound for both sweet and sour cherries, but cherries can also give a touch of class to savoury dishes and vegetables.

The cherry is the fruit of many plants of the genus Prunus, and is a fleshy stone fruit. The cherry fruits of commerce are usually obtained from a limited number of species, including especially cultivars of the wild cherry, Prunus avium.The name 'cherry', often as the compound term 'cherry tree', may also be applied to many other members of the genus Prunus, or to all members of the genus as a collective term. The fruits of many of these are not cherries, and have other common names, including plum, apricot, peach, and others. The name 'cherry' is also frequently used in reference to cherry blossom.