Cherry flesh in small pit-free amounts is generally tolerable, but pits and stems are a significant hazard — pits can cause choking or blockage and may release harmful compounds if crushed. Avoid for pets that gulp food quickly.
Cherries are small stone fruits. Sweet cherries are common for snacking; tart cherries are used for pies and sauces. They're sold fresh, frozen, dried, canned, and as juice concentrate.
Cherries are eaten fresh, used in fruit salads, pies, cobblers, compotes, and jams. Maraschino cherries are packed in sugar syrup with coloring and flavoring.
Dried cherries and pie fillings are more concentrated in sugar than fresh fruit. Cobblers and snack bowls may still contain whole pits if fruit isn't fully prepped.
