Cherries, like many other fruits, have numerous benefi ts and some potential side eff ects when consumed excessively. Let’s learn about the benefi ts of cherries, their characteristics, how they are grown, and the potential side eff ects.
Cherries, with the binomial name Prunus cerasus, are one of the most loved fruits due to their tangy taste and magnifi cent appearance. While cherries resemble cherries in appearance, they are quite diff erent from cherries, especially in terms of taste and appearance, making them easy to distinguish. Cherries are native to the region around the Caspian Sea, with the Balkans being the place where they are most commonly seen. After that, they are most commonly grown in Turkey.
Cherries, especially their jams, are highly favored by the Turkish people. The cherry tree, which can grow up to 8 meters, may look similar to cherries for those who are not familiar with distinguishing them. While cherries have larger and darker fruits, cherries are smaller and lighter in color.
Unlike cherry trees, cherry trees are somewhat smaller. Cherry trees begin to bear fruit slowly around the age of 4. It is possible to obtain yields from a cherry tree from the age of 4-5 to the age of 50 when the season arrives. Fruit abundance is also high in proportion to its age.
Cherries, belonging to the Rosaceae family, are one of the plants with an approximate lifespan of 50 years. The red and double-fruited tree can produce fruit for about 35 years. Cherries that emerged in the region between the North Anatolian Mountains and the Caspian Sea have a very deep-rooted history. Cherries, used especially by Turks living around the Caspian Sea, have also found a place in the traditions of Balkan Turks. Therefore, they are also loved in Anatolia. Cherries are known to be exported from Turkey to many parts of the world, especially Europe.
Cherries are grown in almost every region in Turkey. The cherry’s harvest starts in July, and the taste of the fruit varies according to its variety. The most loved cherry variety is Kütahya cherries. This cherry variety is also preferred in kitchens among the public. The fruit of this cherry type is heart-shaped, and it is known to be juicy and slightly sour.
Montmorency, widely produced in America, is another type of cherry. The branches of this tree hang close to the ground, and its fruits are light red in color. Moreover, these fruits have dark red spots on them. The Hungarian cherry, which is dark red in color, tart, and juicy, the Katırlı cherry, which has a soft fl esh and produces plenty of fruit juice, and the Heimanns rubin cherry, which produces fruit regularly every year, are other known cherry varieties.
Cherry trees have an approximate lifespan of 50 years and can start bearing fruit every year in July with regular care. The fruits, which vary according to the region and season, can be in diff erent tastes and colors. Cherries with plenty of water content and thin skin are more desirable. Therefore, especially Kütahya and Katırlı cherries are more loved. It is essential to be aware that ripe cherries should be picked from the tree before they fall. Hand-picking is essential in the picking process; otherwise, the fruit will be crushed. It should not be forgotten that the cherry stain does not go away from hands for a while.
**How Are Cherries Grown?**
Cherries prefer to grow in temperate climates and yield more easily in climates where the summer is cool. The plant, which can quickly dry out in periods of drought during the summer, also rots easily when it is too cold. Cherries are known to be adversely aff ected when the temperature drops below -40 degrees. The tree blooms in the spring season when the fl ower buds begin to open. Although it needs water before it starts fl owering, it is advisable to keep it away from water when it starts to fl ower. Excessive water reduces fruit yield. Also, it should be noted that cherry trees have problems with fungi in places with high humidity.
**In Which Soils Do Cherries Grow?**
Cherries, which are not very selective about soil, can easily yield in sandy, clayey, or calcareous soils. However, well-drained, deeply dug soils increase the productivity of cherries. It is essential for the soil to be rich in minerals and organic matter. In this way, both the development process of the tree and the fl owering process become quite fast. Therefore, it is one of the essential elements when planting the tree to be well-fed and sown as it wishes. A cherry tree planted in light and permeable soil also needs to be paid attention to.
Cherries, which strengthen the immune system signifi cantly, allow the body to fi ght diseases more easily. It is considered benefi cial for healthy nutrition and can facilitate weight loss.
The benefi ts of cherries, which we make into ice-cold fruit juice in the summer months, include the following:
– Cherry helps the body to get rid of negative energy and relax, making it perfect for overcoming insomnia.
– It strengthens the immune system.
– It is considered anti-aging.
– It is good for eye health.
– It is rich in vitamins A and C.
– It is good for the nervous system and reduces stress.
– It reduces the likelihood of diseases such as chickenpox, mumps, and measles.
– It is good for heart and vascular health.
– It prevents or slows down the growth of cancer cells.
– It regulates cholesterol.
– It has protective properties against Parkinson’s disease.
– It is rich in dietary fi ber, regulating the intestines.
– It is good for brain health, benefi ting diseases like Alzheimer’s and memory problems.
However, excessive consumption of cherries can lead to heartburn in individuals. The fruit, which has a high acid content, increases the gas and acid production in the stomach. Therefore, heartburn is one of the possible negative consequences. Cherries are not recommended for individuals with kidney
