Introduction
Can you eat the cherries from an ornamental cherry tree? The answer is yes, but with some important caveats. Ornamental cherry trees are usually smaller varieties, grown primarily for their aesthetic beauty and not their fruit. They usually don’t produce as much fruit as commercial varieties, and their cherries can be smaller and less tasty. Still, you can certainly eat the cherries from an ornamental cherry tree, as long as they are healthy and ripe, and you take care to eat them in moderation.
Health Benefits of Eating Cherries from an Ornamental Cherry Tree
Cherries from ornamental cherry trees are healthy treats that are packed with beneficial nutrient compounds. Just one cup of cherries contains 1.5 grams of protein, 7.5 grams of dietary fibers, and 26.4 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals and an assortment of phytochemicals. Eating cherries can help improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and even reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Harvesting Cherries from an Ornamental Cherry Tree
Harvesting cherries from an ornamental cherry tree is a bit different than harvesting from a commercial tree. Ornamental trees usually produce a larger number of cherries, and they tend to ripen at different times. That means you’ll have to keep an eye on the tree to make sure you don’t miss any ripe cherries. If you wait too long, they can easily drop off the tree and go to waste.
Storage and Preparation
Once you’ve harvested your cherries, it’s important to store them correctly and prepare them for eating. Unwashed cherries should be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. Wash them just before eating, as wet cherries can spoil quickly. You can eat them fresh or use them in recipes.
Eating Cherries from an Ornamental Cherry Tree in Moderation
Eating cherries from an ornamental cherry tree is perfectly safe, but it’s important to eat them in moderation. Ornamental cherry trees tend to produce cherries that are smaller and less sweet than commercial varieties. So, if you eat too many, you may find them difficult to digest. Also, at higher levels of consumption, pit fragments can create a choking hazard.
Using Ornamental Cherry Trees for Other Purposes
While you can eat the cherries from an ornamental cherry tree, they may not be the most flavorful or practical. An ornamental tree can be a beautiful addition to your garden and offer benefits other than edible cherries, such as wildlife and soil health. The trees can also provide shade and welcome pollinators, like butterflies and bees, to your garden.
Pest and Disease Management
It’s important to be aware of potential pests and diseases when caring for an ornamental cherry tree. Common pests, like aphids and Japanese beetles, can be controlled with natural methods such as ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and release of pheromones. Common fungal diseases of cherry trees, such as powdery mildew, can be managed with pruning, fungicide-covered sprays and biological controls.
Proper Pruning and Training
Pruning and training are important for keeping ornamental cherry trees healthy and looking their best. Pruning encourages strong branching, while training helps the tree maintain good structure and form. Pruning should be done in late winter when the tree is dormant, while training can be done throughout the growing season.
Fertilizing Ornamental Cherry Trees
For best results, fertilizers should be applied to ornamental cherry trees twice a year, in the spring and late summer. The exact amount of fertilizer needed depends on the type of tree, the soil in the area and the climate. Generally, a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is recommended, but you can also use a fertilizer formulated specifically for cherry trees.
Conclusion
Ornamental cherry trees may not produce the most flavorful cherries or yield a large harvest, but you can certainly eat the cherries if they are ripe and healthy. Eating them in moderation will help ensure you enjoy a pleasant experience and stay safe. With proper pruning, training and fertilizing, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful ornamental cherry tree in your garden.
