Let’s Talk About Cherries

Cherries are a stone fruit available in both sweet and tart varieties. These small but mighty fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a yummy and nutritious choice. While often enjoyed in baked goods or jams, cherries also make a delicious addition to savory dishes — from fresh salads to barbecue sauces.

Here are some more sweet facts about cherries:

• Cherries are a natural source of melatonin.
• A mature cherry tree can produce around 7,000 cherries annually.
• In the U.S., sweet cherries are often grown in California, Oregon and Washington, while tart varieties are grown in Michigan.
• Cherries are thought to have originated in western Asia and eastern Europe, and have been around since at least 300 B.C.
• Sweet cherry trees require cross-pollination, while tart cherry trees are self-fruiting.