Whether cherries are already on your list of favourite healthy foods or not, if you are reading this, you are at least curious about what else can be new about these fruits that date back to ancient civilizations. This article provides details that will satisfy both curious readers who like studies, and readers who love stories.

Cherries are a small type of stone fruit, which is a fruit with a pit or seed inside. All cherries are full of antioxidants, low in calories and powerfully hydrating. Consumer choices are very varied, a fact that attracted the attention of many researchers who wanted to contribute to market management, through various studies on cherries.

In the following article, you can discover where around the globe are concerned with growing cherries grow, and which studies have been carried out by various communities.

Introduction

Brief overview of cherries as a popular fruit

It is assumed that migratory birds facilitated the spread of cherry varieties across continents, by dropping the stones of fruits that they had eaten. The subsequent germination of these seeds led to the appearance of cherries in different geographical regions, giving rise to a new variety of fruit that became popular. Historical documentation traces the earliest reference to cherries to the 3rd century BC, as documented in the treatise "History of Plants". 

Importance of understanding cherry varieties and flavours

Different cherry cultivars offer unique flavour profiles, ranging from sweet and juicy to tart and tangy. Knowing these diverse flavour characteristics allows chefs to select them for various culinary applications to ensure optimal taste and texture. 

Certain types of cherries may also have distinct nutritional profiles. Understanding the differences can help individuals make informed decisions about incorporating cherries into their diet for maximum health benefits. By familiarising themselves with the timing of particular cherry harvests, consumers can make the most of fresh, locally grown cherries when they are in season, supporting local agriculture, sustainable growing practices, and enjoying peak flavour and freshness. 

Exploring cherry varieties

Sweet cherries

An increasing number of individuals are directing their focus towards research endeavours aimed at enhancing the quality of cherries. Particularly in temperate European nations, cherry cultivation is experiencing a heightened allure. Cherry varieties such as "Regina", "Kordia", "Hudson", "New Star", "Golia" and "Maria" have demonstrated increased ecological adaptability to the conditions in NE Romania as well as a good combination of parameters quantitative and qualitative of the analysed fruits.¹

Numerous cherry varieties exhibit adaptability to their natural environments, showcasing diverse responses influenced by various factors, including temperature, soil composition, and other environmental parameters. Another study,² carried out in an area of North Macedonia, analysed varieties of sweet cherries such as Sylvia, Kordia, Sunburst, Van, Summit, Stark Hardy Giant, Regina, Octavia, and Sum, which reveals how they adapt to the climate.

Sour cherries

Sour cherries, recognised as tart cherries, are primarily esteemed for their culinary significance, often serving as a pivotal ingredient in various preparations. Distinguished from sweet cherry trees by their diminutive stature, sour cherry trees exhibit heightened resistance to pests and diseases although they remain susceptible to having fruits taken by hungry birds! Principal cultivars of sour cherries are the deep-hued Morello cherry and the paler-hued Amarelle cherry.

In the coldest cherry cultivation region globally, the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, initiated a noteworthy investigation six decades ago. This led to the identification of bush-grown cherry cultivars characterised by heightened hardiness compared to conventional varieties, alongside enhanced fruit attributes. This observation underscores the inherent adaptability of cherry varieties, which grow more like trees in temperate regions and like bushes in colder climates, showcasing nature's remarkable capacity to acclimate to diverse environmental exigencies.³

Understanding flavour profiles

Factors influencing cherry flavours

Perceiving flavour involves both taste and smell. Taste comes from specific molecules interacting with taste buds on our tongue, allowing us to sense bitter, sour, sweet, salty, and savoury flavours. However, the actual flavour we experience mainly comes from smelling the food as we eat it. In a recent study,⁴ researchers found that when some sweet cherries tasted a bit strange (like grass or herbs), it wasn't because of one specific thing missing or added. Instead, it seemed to be a mix of different factors, such as how the cherries grew, their environment, and how we perceive smells. 

How varieties impact taste

Comparing Van and Burlat cherries in laboratory tests reveals differences in taste and quality. While Van cherries are more acidic, Burlat cherries are sweeter and have a stronger cherry flavour. Despite Van having higher sugar levels, Burlat is perceived as sweeter. Burlat cherries are preferred for their enjoyable taste, while Van cherries are valued for their firmness and acidity. Overall, Burlat's visual appeal and taste make them more popular among consumers, especially when taste-testing isn't possible before purchase.⁵

Choose and store cherries correctly

Tips for choosing ripe cherries

Food quality, as defined by the FAO/WHO, is determined by various factors that influence consumer perception. Sensory evaluation tests are vital for understanding consumer preferences. Key attributes for cherries include colour, firmness, size, sweetness, and absence of defects. An optimal cherry is typically characterised as sizable, deep-coloured, and sweet, with a glossy exterior, which significantly influences consumer purchasing choices.⁶

Proper storage methods to maintain freshness 

​​A study⁷ aimed to improve cherry fruit packing methods to reduce waste and enhance their market potential by employing an image processing technique with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model. This sought to sort and grade cherry fruits based on size, ripeness, and defects. Impressively, this approach achieved an overall accuracy rate of 99.4%. 

Health benefits

Nutritional content

As an overview,⁷ a portion of pitted sweet cherries, roughly equal to one cup, offers:

• 74 calories
• 19 grams of carbohydrates (7% of the recommended daily intake)
• 0.23 grams of fat (0% of the recommended daily intake)
• 2.5 grams of fiber (9% of the recommended daily intake)
• 1.24 grams of protein
• 15 grams of sugar

In terms of specific nutrients, a serving of cherries contains:

• 15 milligrams of calcium (1% of the recommended daily intake)
• 0.42 milligrams of iron (2% of the recommended daily intake)
• 13 milligrams of magnesium (3-4% of the recommended daily intake)
• 260 milligrams of potassium (6% of the recommended daily intake)
• 8 milligrams of vitamin C (9% of the recommended daily intake)

Potential health benefits 

Polyphenols, melatonin, carotenoids, and vitamins E and C are compounds found in cherries that contribute to various health properties. Whether consumed fresh, frozen, or in the form of food supplements, cherries offer numerous benefits,⁸ such as fighting inflammation and diseases, promoting better sleep, alleviating muscle soreness, preventing and easing arthritis pain, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, having a low glycemic index, reversing prediabetes, and protecting against cell damage that can lead to cancer. 

Fun facts and tips

Seasonality

Cherries are summer fruits with a limited growing season, usually from late May to early September, varying by region. In Canada, most cherries are grown in British Columbia, while in Europe, major orchards are in Turkey, Italy, Spain, and the Mediterranean. Different varieties ripen at different times, but many are ready in July, making it the prime month for enjoying cherries. 

Interesting facts about cherries

Did you know that Japanese cherry blossom trees, despite their name, don't actually produce cherries? These iconic trees are primarily ornamental, adding stunning beauty to landscapes without yielding any fruit. So, while you're admiring the breathtaking blossoms from cherry blossom festivals, keep in mind that you won't be picking any cherries! 

Cherry pits contain amygdalin, a compound that the human body converts into cyanide when it reaches the digestive system, making their consumption potentially dangerous. Don't worry, you'd have to consume a lot of pits for it to be harmful, but it's still a fun fact to know!

FAQ’s

How many flavours of cherry exist?

There are a considerable number of varieties of cherries, each with its own range of unique flavors. Some common flavors include sweet, tart, tangy, and sometimes even a combination of these tastes.⁸

Are cherries washed before storage? 

It is best to avoid washing the cherries beforehand to prevent moisture build-up, which could lead to mold. Instead, it is advisable to wash them just before consumption or before incorporating them into a culinary recipe. 

Is eating cherry pits advisable? 

As previously outlined, cherries encompass a constituent known as amygdalin, which undergoes conversion into cyanide during digestion. While cherry pits are not typically ingested deliberately, inadvertent consumption of a pit poses negligible health consequences.

Summary

From their rich history to their diverse flavours and surprising health benefits, cherries have unique characteristics. Cherries continue to captivate the interest of researchers seeking to explore improved cultivation and marketing strategies. In addition, they remain a favoured choice among consumers, either due to these fruits being sold in the regions where they grow well or because of their visually attractive presence in stores.