CHERRIES

Cherries derive their name from the Turkish town of Creases. Turkey remains the largest cherry producing region in the world. Cherries migrated with the colonists from Europe in the 1600’s. 

There are two major categories — tart and sweet cherries, or Prunus cerasus L. and Prunus avium L., respectively.

 JUICY FACTS ABOUT CHERRIES

• A cherry tree can grow 33 feet in height! 
• The cherry tree develops beautiful white flowers during the spring. Cherry production starts 3 to 4 years after planting 
• There are over 1000 different varieties.
• A cherry tree can survive and produce fruit for around 100 years.
• The World Record for cherry-pit spitting is 93 Feet set in 2004.
• There ae 2 main types of cherries: sweet and tart.
• A typical cherry tree produces 7000 cherries.
• A cherry tree can be harvested in seven seconds using a mechanical tree shaker.
• Japanese cherry blossom trees don’t produce fruit. 

Cherries are jam-packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are good for your health. To sweeten the deal, they’re low in calories, too!

• cherries are a superfood
• they are high in antioxidants!
• High in Vitamin C, fiber and potassium
• Fight inflammation and diseases.
• Cherries contain melatonin which helps promote a more restful sleep.
• Soothe sore muscles - consuming tart cherry products like juice, can improve athletic performance and reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness.
• Prevent and ease arthritis pain.
• Protect your heart due to the potassium and polyphenol antioxidants found in cherries.
• Improve blood sugar levels.
• Lower cancer risk.

HOW YOU CAN IMCORPORATE CHERRIES INTO YOUR DIET

• Enjoy them fresh as a sweet snack.
• Pair dried cherries with dark chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut
flakes, and salted almonds for a delicious homemade trail mix.
• Make a cherry compote out of frozen tart or sweet cherries and spoon on yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding.
• Add halved, pitted cherries to a fruit salad.
• Incorporate dried cherries into baked goods for a kick of natural sweetness.
• Add a bit of tart cherry juice to sparkling water and top with a lemon wedge for a fun mocktail.
• Add fresh or cooked cherries to ice cream, pies, crumbles, and other desserts.
• Make a homemade cherry barbecue sauce to use with meat or poultry dishes.
• Whip up a cherry salsa with diced cherries and fresh herbs like basil to serve alongside savory meals.
• Add frozen cherries to your favorite smoothie.

   

  The possibilities are endless!