Prunus cerasus Griotte de Montmorency pleureur - Tart Cherry Tree

Weeping Prunus cerasus 'Montmorency' Sour Cherry tree from Organic Agriculture is a variety that produces abundantly a fairly large fruit, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter, round in shape, with thin, bright red skin that darkens slightly when ripe. Its translucent white-pink flesh is very juicy. Recognizable among all, 'Montmorency' cherries have a soft, highly fragrant, succulent pulp with a sweet and tangy flavour, making them suitable for various culinary uses. Harvesting takes place from mid-June to early July, and the fruits can be consumed or processed immediately after picking. It is a cherry tree appreciated by gardeners for its compact size and weeping habit, making it easy to harvest and suitable for small gardens. Its good cold resistance and adaptability to all types of soils, except for overly clayey ones, facilitate the cultivation of the 'Montmorency' Sour Cherry in all regions. This variety is relatively resistant to cherry fruit flies.

Prunus cerasus belongs to the Rosaceae family, like the Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium). Also known as the 'Morello' Cherry or Sour Cherry, it originates from Asia Minor and has been widely grown in Europe since ancient times. In France, cultivation began in the Middle Ages, but it was in the 18th century that it truly flourished. Its French name "Cerisier aigre" (Sour Cherry) comes from the Occitan word agriota, derived from agre which means "sour".

The 'Montmorency' Sour Cherry originates from the Montmorency Valley in the Ile-de-France region, where it has been described since the 16th century and is more commonly known as 'Gaudriole' or 'Courte Queue'. The weeping variety forms a small tree with a compact silhouette, reaching approximately 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet) in height and 1 to 1.5 metres (3 to 5 feet) in width at maturity, producing numerous trailing branches along the trunk. The reddish wood is characteristic of the cherry tree family. Its habit is well suited for free forms on half or low standard. The deciduous foliage consists of large, alternate, obovate leaves measuring 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in length, with irregularly dentate edges, shiny green in colour, turning shades of brown-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in the second half of April, before the appearance of leaves, which generally protects it from frost. The pure white flowers, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter, are single and grouped in clusters. They can be damaged by frost starting from -2 to -3°C. It is a remarkably decorative flowering tree in spring, and particularly honey and nectar-rich. This hardy tree can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C and is suitable for cultivation in all regions, including high altitudes. This variety is self-fertile, so it does not require a companion for pollination, but having another variety of cherry tree nearby will increase fruit production.

The weeping 'Montmorency' Sour Cherry tree yields a harvest that can be more or less abundant depending on the year and may exhibit alternating fruiting patterns, allowing the tree to replenish its reserves. The fruit production becomes optimal after 6 to 7 years. The harvest of the fruits begins around mid-June. It is important to pick the cherries when they are fully ripe, and with the stems to improve their storage, as they do not ripen further after harvest. An adult cherry tree (between 10 and 20 years old) produces an average of 20 to 50 kilograms of fruit per year. Very juicy and tangy, this sour cherry can be enjoyed raw, but its flavours are enhanced when cooked or preserved. It is excellent in the preparation of clafoutis, cakes, crumbles, or pies, and as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with white meats (turkey, chicken, veal, etc.) or in tagines. They are also perfect for making jams, compotes, juices, or preserved in syrup. Not to mention the famous cherry brandy, to be consumed in moderation.

Its content of vitamins A, B, and C, phenolic antioxidants, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron contribution, make the sour cherry a health asset. The fruits only keep for a few days at room temperature. However, they can be frozen after washing, drying, and pitting, or used for preserves.

Very popular for its fruits, the weeping sour cherry tree finds its rightful place in the garden, planted on a short grass meadow, at the back of a flower bed, in an orchard, or in an edible hedge. Among a wide range of cherry trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits one's desires, for the pleasure of both young and old.