Montmorency cherry trees

Montmorency is the definitive American cherry pie variety. It is easy to grow and makes a good first cherry tree for a cook's garden or orchard. It originates from France, but was taken to North America by the early settlers, and is now perhaps better known in America than Europe.

Montmorency is a tart cherry (also known as an acid or sour cherry), grown for use in the kitchen rather than eating fresh. It has yellow flesh and the juice is clear, and is known as an "Amarelle" type, in contrast with the "Morello" type which has dark red juice.

Most tart cherries contain melatonin, a natural anti-oxidant substance which is also involved in regulating sleeping and wakefullness - but Montmorency is thought to have particularly high levels.