Berry Cherry

Image via Wikipedia

Cherries are a fleshy fruit that contain one single seed. There are many different species of cherry that are grown in different parts of the world. Here in the United States cherries are grown in Washington, California, Oregon, and Michigan. Cherries can be sweet or sour depending on which type are grown. Most sour cherries are grown in Washington, Utah, Michigan, and New York. Michigan hosts a national cherry festival. At the festival is made the world’s largest cherry pie.

Cherries contain a red pigment called anthocyanins. This pigment in the berry has been known to reduce pain and inflammation. This pigment is a very potent antioxidant. Cherries are known to lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. A study done with cherries showed much lower levels of inflammation that have been linked to heart disease and diabetes. Cherries contain iron, vitamin C, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.

Cherries have a very short growing season but can grow almost everywhere. Cherries can grow in warm or cold climates. The cherry tree is very attractive with it’s pretty flowers. Some cherry trees are grown just for the flowers and decorative use.

Did you know that drinking one glass of cherry juice a day offers the same health benefit as eating 23 portions of fruit and vegetables? Cherry juice is known to relieve gout and arthritis.

You can eat cherries fresh and they are used to make pies and cobbler, jam, juice, and cakes. They are used in fruit salads and toppings for icecream and to make sauces. Cherries can be used to flavor drinks. Cherries add great flavor to a bowl of sugarfree icecream.

In the United States the black cherry tree is known to live over 250 years. The wood of the black cherry trees are used to make furniture and cabinets. The wood is very high priced. The leaves of the black cherry tree are poisonous. Texas, Florida, Arizona, and New Mexico grow black cherry.