Types of Cherries
Today cherries are popular around the world, but they are indigenous to Europe and Asia. There are more than 200 different species of cherries that have been identified, with some being more popular than others. Sour cherries, sweet cherries, and bitter cherries are types of cherries, each with their own unique flavor and texture. Sour cherries, for example, are crisp and tart, and are commonly used in jams and pies. Sweet cherries are the most popular type of cherry and are used to make cakes, ice cream, and desserts. Bitter cherries, on the other hand, are not typically eaten raw but are used in liqueurs and syrups because of their intense flavor.
The Tree & Fruit
Cherry trees are deciduous and can grow up to 15 to 20 feet tall with a spread of 25 feet. They’re very hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, and the fruit is usually ready to be picked in the late summer or early fall. Along with the red fruits, the trees have beautiful pale pink flowers in the springtime. These flowers are followed by green fruits and then the red, ripe fruit in the summer or early fall.
The fruit of a cherry tree is a small, round stone fruit. Most of the species of cherries have a small pit in the middle of the fruit, which is edible. Each cherry variety has a distinct flavor and love of the soil conditions. Sweet cherries are the most popular, but there are also sour varieties, and both these types need rich and well-drained soil. Sour cherries, in particular, grow in areas with colder winters.
Harvesting & Uses
When harvesting cherries, it is important to harvest at the right time, otherwise the fruit quality can be compromised. In order to determine when to harvest, the taste and color of the fruit should be checked. Ripe cherries have a vibrant color, while unripe cherries are paler. Harvesting should also be done by hand, as the fruit can easily become bruised when shaken from the tree.
Cherries are used in a variety of ways, including jams, desserts, and even liquors. Cherry liquors, such as Cherry Heering, are becoming increasingly popular. Cherries are also used in pies and cakes, as well as for salads and garnishes. Sour cherries are especially popular for baking due to their tart flavor.
Health Benefits
Cherries are packed with antioxidants, which make them a great choice for anyone looking to boost their health. Antioxidants can help protect against inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. Cherries are also high in vitamins A and C, which can help keep the immune system strong. Additionally, cherries contain fiber, which is important for keeping the digestive system healthy.
Cherries are versatile, making them the perfect addition to any diet. They can be eaten raw, used in baking, or cooked into jams and syrups. Whatever way they are created, eating cherries is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any dish.
Environmental Impact
Cherry trees are an important part of the environment, and they come with a variety of benefits. Cherry trees help to boost property values, provide shade and natural cooling of the air, and attract an abundance of birds and other wildlife. In addition, cherry trees sequester and store carbon dioxide, an important part of keeping the atmosphere free of harmful greenhouse gases.
In order to help preserve the environment, it is important to plant cherries responsibly. Planting cherry trees in areas that are too shady or too dry can lead to decreased yields and shortened life spans. Furthermore, fertilizing should be done sparingly, and the soil should always be kept moist.
Potential Pests & Diseases
There are a few potential pests and diseases that cherry trees should be on the lookout for. Some of the most common are aphids, codling moths, and leaf spot. Aphids can cause damage to the leaves of the tree, while codling moths can bore into the fruit, weakening the tree’s ability to produce desirable fruits. Lastly, leafspot can cause lesions on the leaves, leading to premature leaf fall.
In order to help prevent these pests and diseases, cherry trees should be monitored regularly and treated with pesticides and fungicides as needed. Additionally, good hygiene practices such as pruning and mulching should be followed to keep the trees healthy.
Growing Your Own Cherry Trees
Growing cherry trees at home can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. The first step is to purchase a cherry tree from a garden center or nursery. This can be done either as a seedling or as a pre-grown sapling. Once a tree is chosen, it should be planted in an area with full sun, moist soil, and good drainage. After planting, regular pruning and watering are important to help keep the tree healthy and producing good-tasting fruits.
Branch & Root Pruning
Branch and root pruning is essential for the health and productivity of any cherry tree. Over time branches and roots can become overgrown and too dense, hindering the trees ability to produce its best fruit. Regular pruning will help keep the tree healthy, improve air circulation, and make the tree more manageable for the gardener. Furthermore, pruning should be done yearly to ensure optimal health and fruit production.
Fruit Pickling & Preserving
Pickling and preserving cherries is an easy and flavorful way to enjoy them year-round. For pickling, the cherries should be washed and pitted before being soaked in pickling brine and spices. Once the cherries have been pickled, they can be canned for a longer shelf-life. For preserving, the cherries should be simmered in sugar syrup over low heat. Once cooled, the cherries can be stored in jars and enjoyed throughout the year.
Equipment & Techniques
In order to enjoy your harvest of cherries, you’ll need the right equipment. A cherry-pitter is essential for removing the pits from the cherries. Cherry pitters come in several different styles, and they make it easy to prepare the fruit. Additionally, a canning jar is also useful for preserving fruits and vegetables, as it allows you to store them for longer periods of time.
Harvesting cherries correctly from the tree is also important. There are a few methods that can be used to pick the fruit, including hand-picking and using a basket. When hand picking, the fruit should be removed by gently twisting and pulling. When using a basket, a long-handled picking pole is often used to reach the higher fruit, and the fruit should be placed in the container without bruising.
