Look for a supple exterior and a bright colour. Keep them dry and discard any crushed fruit - their juice can spoil the fruit around them.

Both the sweet and sour types should be refrigerated as soon as possible, although the sweets are more durable. Chilling not only preserves, but also seems to improve the flavor.

Sour cherries can be purchased in a Fresh Chilled Pack or Frozen at your local grocery stores.