12 Interesting facts about Cherries
- The native range of the wild cherry extends through most of Europe, and the fruit has been consumed through its range since prehistoric times.
- Cherries are very perishable and do not ripen after harvest. They only remain fresh in the refrigerator for only a few days are harvest.
- A form of cherry was introduced into England at Tyneham, near Sittingbourne in Kent by order of Henry VIII, who had tasted them in Flanders.
- Apart from nutritional benefits of cherries, it has been discovered that cherries provide a number of healing benefits.
- The English word cherry, French cerise, Spanish cereza all come from the Classical Greek (κέρασος) through the Latin cerasum, thus the ancient Roman place name Cerasus, from which the cherry was first exported to Europe.
- Cherry products are available in cherry juice, canned cherries, cherry juice concentrate, fresh cherries, dried and frozen.
- Cherries contain anthocyanins, the red pigment in berries. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants under active research for a variety of potential health benefits.
- The cherry fruit are low in fat, sodium, cholesterol and are a source of fiber and Vitamin A,C and E.
- Cherries have a very short growing season and can grow in most temperate latitudes.
- Cherries are very versatile fruits and can be a part of any meal or dessert. From breakfast to soups and salads, these find their way into any food item easily!
- Annual world production (as of 2007) of cultivated cherry fruit is about two million tonnes. Around 40% of world production originates in Europe and around 13% in the United States.
- Sweet as well as sour cherries can be used for jams. Sour cherries are used more often as an ingredient in pies and are suitable for making soufflés, cooked fruit compotes etc.
