Identifying Edible Cherry Trees
Cherry trees have long been a staple of many gardens, as they are an attractive and edible fruit. Cherries are rich in many vitamins and minerals, however, it is important to ensure that the type of cherry tree you have is edible and safe to eat. This can be accomplished by identifying some key characteristics of the tree and any visible fruit.
When observing a cherry tree, the first thing to determine is the variety. If possible, consult a local extension office for more detailed information. Some of the more commonly cultivated, edible varieties include Sour Cherries, Morellos, Rainer, and Black Tartarian. These varieties are all recognizable by their unique shape and color, as Sour Cherries tend to be round and yellow, Morello’s round and dark red, Rainer oblong and yellow-pink, and Black Tartarian heart-shaped and dark red. Once the variety has been identified, further characteristics should be examined to verify whether the tree is indeed edible.
Leaves & Bark
The leaves and bark of a cherry tree will vary greatly depending on the variety. For instance, leaves of a Sour Cherry tree are typically serrated and dark green, while the bark is smooth and grey. Morello Cherry leaves, on the other hand, tend to be duller, rounder and notched around the edges. Leaves may be a useful indicator of edibility, but the bark should be taken into consideration as well. Sour Cherry trees have a bark texture that is uniform and smooth, while Morello’s bark is rough and may contain some short, brown hairs. Both the leaves and bark can provide valuable clues as to the edibility of the tree.
Fruit & Flowers
Fruit and flowers are also important indicators when determining the edibility of a cherry tree. Edible cherry trees will typically have round, fleshy fruit with a single, small seed. However, some varieties may have larger seeds, so it is important to be aware of the unique characteristics of the variety. Additionally, edible cherry trees will have large, white flowers with five petals and a yellow stigma. The fruit and flowers can usually be identified long before the tree is mature, making them especially helpful when determining edibility.
Insects & Diseases
When inspecting a cherry tree for edibility, be sure to look for any signs of pests or disease. Some common pests that can damage cherry trees include moths, aphids, and borers. These pests can often be identified by the signs of insect stings or by visually inspecting the leaves and fruit for damage. Additionally, some common diseases of cherry trees include powdery mildew, which forms a white, powdery substance on the leaves and fruit, and root rot, which is caused by overly wet soil conditions. Inspecting trees for pests and diseases is an important part of determining edibility.
Harvesting & Storage
Once the tree has been determined to be edible, the next steps should be to harvest and store the fruit. Before picking the fruit, check to see if it is ripe; ripe fruit will have a deep, rich color and be slightly soft to the touch. Harvest the fruit in the morning before the sun has had a chance to heat the fruit, as warmth can make the fruit more delicate and prone to spoilage. Store the fruit in a cool, dry place, as cherries can spoil quickly in humid conditions. It is also important to keep the fruit in a single layer, as this will help to reduce spoilage.
Preserving for Future Consumption
Once the fruit has been harvested, there are several options for preserving it for future consumption. Canning cherries is an easy and effective way to preserve the fruit. The process involves preparing the fruit, packing it into jars, and boiling them to create a vacuum seal. The vacuum seal will keep the cherries fresh for months or even years, depending on the canning process used. Additionally, cherries can be frozen or dried to preserve them for an even longer period of time.
Using a Cherry De-stoner
De-stoning cherries can be a time consuming process, but there are tools available to make the task easier. De-stoners are electric devices that remove the stones from cherries in a matter of seconds. They work by removing the stem from the cherry, then crushing and removing the stone from the fleshy part of the fruit. De-stoners are a great tool for anyone looking to efficiently and quickly remove stoning and use the cherries for a variety of purposes.
Nutritional Benefits
Cherries are a powerhouse of nutrition and offer a variety of health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. They also contain an abundance of polyphenols, which are compounds that help fight off free radicals in the body and protect against chronic disease. Additionally, studies have shown that cherries can help reduce inflammation and may even improve cardiovascular health.
Cooking & Baking
Cherries are a versatile fruit and can be used for a variety of cooking and baking purposes. They can be used to make jams, pies, cakes, and even savory dishes such as pork or chicken with cherry sauce. They are also a great addition to smoothies and yogurt, and can be used to make delicious granola bars or energy bites. When baking with cherries, it is important to avoid over baking as the fruit can become overly soft and mushy.
Safety Concerns
When harvesting and eating cherries, safety is always a concern. It is important to make sure that the tree is without pests or disease, and that the fruit is fully ripe and unblemished. Additionally, it is always best to thoroughly wash all fruit before eating, as this reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Lastly, be sure to store all fresh fruit in a cool place where it is unlikely to spoil.
