Fresh local sour cherries, small, bright red fruit prized for a sharp, tangy flavor that's a world apart from a standard sweet cherry. Sour, or tart, cherries belong to a different species entirely, Prunus cerasus rather than the Prunus avium behind sweet varieties, which is why they stay acidic and pucker-inducing even when fully ripe, rather than mellowing into sweetness on the tree. That intense acidity is exactly what makes them so useful in the kitchen: baked into a pie or cooked down with sugar, their tartness deepens into a bright, balanced flavor that a sweeter cherry can't match. Most people find them too sharp to eat out of hand, but that's the point, since they're bred and grown for cooking rather than fresh snacking. Pit and bake into a classic pie or crisp, simmer into a quick jam or syrup, or freeze for later use in sauces and baked goods. Pairs well with almond, dark chocolate, vanilla, and soft cheeses.
Holley, NY
Hurd Orchards is a family-owned fruit and flower farm and canning company located in the fertile lake plains of Western New York, nestled between the Erie Canal and the shores of Lake Ontario. For nearly two centuries, the Hurd family has cultivated this land, building a legacy rooted in stewardship, community, and a deep reverence for the natural world.
At the heart of Hurd Orchards is a love of fruit growing and a commitment to honoring the region’s agricultural heritage. The farm specializes in carefully tended, tree-ripened fruits grown on their own land, which are then preserved using time-honored methods and generations-old recipes. Each jar of jam or preserve reflects a philosophy of craftsmanship, seasonality, and extraordinary quality.
Beyond the orchard rows, Hurd Orchards is dedicated to preserving the beauty and productivity of its fields, forests, and meadows through sustainable practices and thoughtful land stewardship. Every aspect of the farm—from the fruits they grow to the landscapes they care for—embodies a vision of rural life that is rich in history, beauty, and purpose.