Cherries are drupes, or stone fruits, related to plums and more distantly to peaches and nectarines. We know they have been around since the Stone Age, as pits have been found in several Stone Age caves in Europe. The Romans carried cherries throughout Europe & England along their routes of conquest.

Cherry trees are unique in that they have one of the most rapidly maturing fruits. The trees bloom with white blossoms toward the end of March. Then, within 60 days the blossoms mature into sweet, healthy fruit.

Around 40% of the world’s cherries are produced in Europe and 13% in the United States. Most of the sweet cherries grown in the United States come from Washington, California, Oregon and Michigan. Sour cherries are grown in Michigan, Utah, New York and Washington.

Cherries contain anthocyanins, the red pigment in berries. It is an antioxidant thought to have a variety of health benefits. Cherries are high in fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium.

Fresh cherries can be eaten raw, alone or accompanied with other fruits in a salad. Fresh cherries can also be pitted and poached to make a topping for desserts. Canned cherries are also used to make desserts or toppings. Dried cherries are good eaten alone or added to oatmeal or trail mix.

EE1DC27F CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Cherries and Cherry Pitts By Vera B. Williams Cherry Pies and Lullabies By Lynn Reiser Under the Cherry Blossom Tree: An Old Japanese Tale By Allen Say Cherry Tree By Ruskin Bond The Cherry Pie Baby By Kay Chorao