Which of the following is a common color indicator for ripe cherries?

The color indicator that signifies ripe cherries is vibrant red. This is because the ripening process for cherries involves a change from green to red, indicating that they have reached their peak sweetness and flavor. Ripe cherries exhibit a bright and glossy red hue, making them visually appealing and distinct from unripe variants. The ripening stage is crucial for both consumer appeal and quality in culinary uses, as red cherries are typically sweeter and more palatable than their underdeveloped counterparts.

In contrast, deep yellow cherries are often associated with certain specific varieties that might not indicate ripeness in the same way; light green cherries are unripe and not ready for consumption; and dark purple cherries also indicate different varieties but do not represent the most common color for ripe cherries in general. Therefore, vibrant red is the clear characteristic of ripeness to look for when determining the best quality cherries to harvest or purchase.