Cherries
Cherries originated in both Europe and Western Asia, and have been eaten since pre-historic times.
There are records of cherry trees having been traded across the Roman empire, and Henry VIII brought the first cherry trees to England after tasting them in Flanders.
FORMATS
- Natural Whole & Broken
- Natural Halves
- Whole Sour Cherries Whole Bing (Sweet) Cherries
- Glace Cherries
OTHER POINTS TO NOTE
Cherries originated in both Europe and Western Asia, but the different origins of cherries do not cross-pollinate. Sour cherries are self-fertile, while sweet cherries require pollination.
As cherry trees need a period of cold weather in order to germinate, no cherries are grown in tropical climates.
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
- USA
- France, Spain and Italy
- Greece
- Turkey
HARVEST
- May and June
VARIETIES
Most commercial cherries are cultivars of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) or sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). Sweet varieties recommended for drying include Bing, Lambert, Royal Ann Napoleon or Van; sour varieties include Early Richmond or Large Montmorency.
NUTRIENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Very low in saturated fats, Cholesterol and Sodium
- A source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C
- A source of key minerals Copper and Potassium