Cherries

The cherry tree is quite a mystery since no one knows its true origin. The ancient Greeks believed it that cherries came from a region of East called Kerasounta close to the Black Sea (in Greek, cherries are called “kerasia”). Cherries are cultivated mainly in the Northern hemisphere.

How to choose the best cherries

The freshness of a cherry is judged by the stalk. It should be green, firmly attached, and neither dry nor limp. Fruit that is blemished, too black, too soft, and with matte skin should be discarded. Fresh cherries are sold by weight. Sweet and sour cherries are also available frozen, dried, canned and preserved in alcohol or vinegar, and candied.

Seasonality

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Why it’s good for you

Cherries have quite a high carbohydrate content, a small part of which comprises sorbitol, a laxative. They also contain lots of fiber. Like all red fruit, they contain a large amount of antioxidants (vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, etc.), especially sour cherries. They are also high in minerals.