Description
Cherries are a versatile fruit that can be sweet or sour, fresh or processed and enjoyed year-round. But before anyone can enjoy their tart or sweet flavor, they must first be identified as they grow on trees. Knowing what cherries look like will help anyone locate them in the wild – whether they seek to harvest or simply observe the gorgeous blossoms and vibrant red berries.
Cherries trees usually reach around 15 feet in height at maturity and have a broad canopy. Their bark is gray in color and the twigs can have a reddish hue. The leaves are asymmetrical, dark green and are roughly 3 inches long with serrated edges.
Cherry blossoms are an eye-catching sight. They are small, roughly 0.25 inches long and come in groups of five along a single stem. They have an outer white petal with an inner pink hue, as well as a yellow stamen in the center. They grow tightly in clusters throughout the branches of the tree.
The cherries found at the end of the stems are round and come in bright shades of red. They are generally between 0.5 and 1 inch in diameter and have a glossy, smooth texture. A stem and an attached calyx, which looks like a single green leaf, will still be attached even when they are ripe. If you look closely enough, you may also notice a small dimple at the back of the fruit.
The fruit that develops later in the summer is where the flavor comes in to play. Those that aren’t harvested can become a deeper and darker red, so watch for those signs if you are looking to sweeten up a batch of wild cherries. As the season progresses other types of cherries may be introduced to the tree.
History of Cherries
Cherries have a long and varied history, prized for their culinary and medicinal properties for centuries. Wild versions of the cherry tree were first discovered in Turkey in the early 16th century and quickly spread throughout Europe and Asia. Early American colonists brought cherry plants to the new world, and today commercial cherry production takes place throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
A combination of both sweet and tart varieties of cherries can make their way onto a tree depending on location and soil conditions. In warmer regions, tart cherries are more common, while further north, sweet varieties dominate. This is why many recipes that call for cherries often include a mix of the two.
Nutritional Properties
Cherries are packed with beneficial nutrients like fiber, iron, potassium and Vitamin C. They are also full of antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. Eating cherries can help prevent heart disease and cancer, reduce cholesterol and improve overall health.
In addition to being jam-packed with nutrition, cherries are surprisingly low in calories. A cup of fresh cherries is only 90 calories and can be substituted for unhealthy snacks in the form of dried cherries, jams, or even baked goods. Cherries are also high in fiber, which helps the body feel full longer and promotes weight loss.
Harvesting and Storing
When picking cherries from a tree, it is important that they are ripe and ready to enjoy. Ripe cherries will have bright red or dark purple skins, depending on the variety, and should be easy to remove from the stem with a gentle tug. Care should be taken when harvesting, as too much weight can cause branches to break.
Cherries can easily be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Sunlight can cause cherries to ripen too quickly and lose their flavor, so an area away from direct light is best.
Reasons to Grow Cherries
Growing a cherry tree is an excellent way to add beauty and functionality to a garden. They are fast-growing and require very little maintenance, with plenty of delicious fruit to revel in when they come into season. Freshly-picked cherries can be used in a number of recipes, such as pies, jams, and jellies.
Growing a cherry tree is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy pure, natural flavors, with no additives or preservatives. There are many varieties of cherries that can be grown, including sweet and sour, so there is something for everyone. Planting a tree is a fairly simple process and has the potential to bring health and joy to anyone who attempts it.
Cherry Recipes
Not only are cherries delicious on their own, but they can also be used in a variety of recipes. From tarts and crumbles to jams and sorbets, cherries offer a unique flavor and texture that can bring a dish to life. They can even be used to make savory sauces for meats, such as pork and beef.
Cherries also pair wonderfully with chocolate for a simple, yet sophisticated treat. Darker, sweeter varieties blend well in desserts and pastries, while tart cherries are perfect for a light, refreshing palate cleanser. Whether you prefer classic or contemporary recipes, cherries offer endless possibilities.
Making Cherry Wine
Not only are cherries a tasty snack and flavorful addition to dishes, but they can also be used to make a delicious wine. In fact, cherry wine has a long and storied history, with some of the earliest written records of wine-making featuring cherries as an ingredient. There are even wineries that specialize in making cherry wine.
Making cherry wine at home is a fun, experimental process that yields an amazing, unique product. It requires some patience and skill, as well as good quality fresh or frozen cherries, but the end product is more than worth the effort. With just a few simple steps, anyone can make a delicious and unique cherry wine.
Cherry Jam
Cherry jam is an easy-to-make, delicious treat that is excellent on toast, pastries, or straight from the jar. The process is simple and straightforward and does not require any special ingredients or tools. All that is needed is patience, a pot and some simple ingredients.
Fresh or frozen cherries can be used in jams, depending on the recipe, and most require only a few basic ingredients: sugar, water, lemon juice and pectin. Pectin is a natural thickening agent found in many fruits, so it is generally available at most grocery stores. Once all the ingredients are combined, the mixture simply needs to be cooked and poured into clean, sterilized containers. With just a little effort, anyone can make a delicious cherry jam that will last for months.
Canning Cherries
Canning is a great way to preserve cherries to enjoy later in the year. Unlike jams, which are cooked and poured into containers, canned cherries are actually cooked in their own containers. This enables them to keep longer and retain their flavor, texture, and nutrition content.
The canning process is simple and only requires cherries, sugar, and water. The cherries should be washed, pitted, and placed in the containers along with a bit of sugar and water. The containers should then be heated to sterilize them and the cherries should be sealed and stored until ready to use.
Syrup Making
Making homemade cherry syrup is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can take on with a little knowledge and patience. The syrup can be used to sweeten dishes or simply enjoy with pancakes or waffles. All that is needed is cherries, sugar, and water.
Cherries should be cleaned and pitted before the syrup-making process begins. Their juices can be extracted either by hand, using a press, or by using a food processor or blender. The juices should then be boiled down with sugar until they reach the desired texture and thickness. The syrup can then be bottled and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
