So I've been scouring the GTA and Niagara peninsula for some Sour Cherry farms that will let you pick your own, and believe me, they are almost impossible to find. Problem is the lack of awareness and appreciation for sour cherries. Everyone knows the sweet variety, but anyone who did not grow up with sour cherries is completely oblivious to them. Another fact is they are completely superior to the sweet variety when it comes to cooking with them.

Sour cherries have actually more sugar content and are more acidic than their sweet variety, and thus can be used in anything from cakes to pies to liquor. Now there are some sour cherry farms in the niagara peninsula but most (if not all) are private farms and sell only to retail merchants. However I would strongly suggest you take a drive in Niagara country and ask every sour cherry farm you encounter if they can sell you some. Sometimes you are lucky and they will unload a large quantity deemed unfit for the major retailers (like they weren't pitted enough, or have too much sugar, etc.). I took home a 65lb tub of them for free from one of the farms and they were happy to give it away. Compare that with the $5/lb they sell them for at Loblaws and other markets and you can see what a bargain this sour cherry hunting can be.

Europeans and middle easterns who grew up with them and know the recipes will tell you there is nothing like a sour cherry. Although somewhat related, its taste, content is completely different than the sweet variety and imo all over superior. Let the indulging begin.

Cost: Free - $5/lb

Update: Prepping one batch for homemade sour cherry liquor...100 days wait. Worth it! My other baby is coming along nicely, almost time for bottling the young batch.