Sour Cherry

Sour cherry is a large shrub or small tree typically growing between 4-10 meters tall. There are several varieties of sour cherry, they are native to most of Europe and southwest Asia. Sour cherry prefer a rich, well-drained, moist soil, although they demand more nitrogen and water than sweet cherries. Trees will do badly if waterlogged, but have greater tolerance of poor drainage than sweet varieties. Many species belonging to the Prunus genus are known to produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste.