Nanking Cherry: what do I do with you?

When I moved into my new house last August I noticed a tall shrub in the backyard that had a couple red berries on it. Upon further inspection I guessed it was some kind of wild cherry, but the fruit wasn’t growing in drooping clusters like typical choke cherry.

I knew I would have to wait a season and examine the tree in full bloom to confirm its identity.

After watching it explode in a riot of pale pink flowers in May (sorry, no pictures – it was really pretty though!), and then seeing those flowers develop into little red berries all along the branches, I think I have it: Nanking Cherry.

The cherries are very sour, but quite tasty. Hopefully they’ll sweeten up a bit when they ripen fully.

I’ve read these make good jelly, and wine. Perhaps someone has found other good uses for them?

Food