That it is one of the best fruits, we don't need to tell you this nor do we need to confirm it from a nutritionist. But the thing is, cherries, in addition to being delicious, are delicious. They are rich in nutrients and benefits for our health, so including them in our diet is an excellent idea. You can eat them naturally, candied or in desserts, while you enjoy their flavor, which is like putting a natural treat in your mouth. And so that your conscience is cleansed of sin, we are going to show you what are the properties and benefits of cherry, so you can see that eating them is an allowed temptation.
For those with a sweet tooth, eat them candied, in jam or juice. For lovers of natural, without added sugar and as a snack, dessert or snack. We also cannot forget sorbets, fruit salads and, of course, pastries, because a cherry pie is spectacular.
But let's focus on the topic at hand, because in this blog we want to inform you about gardening, crops and properties of food. Let's start by seeing what the properties and benefits of cherries and, later, we will take care of showing you how cherries are grown. Are you ready to take note?
Cherry, a sweet fruit of almost unknown origin
The cherry attracts attention for its shape, its color and, above all, its flavor. Its origins are not very clear and, in fact, it is suspected that it could come from Egypt or, at least, from lands near the Caspian and Black Seas and that, from there, it spread throughout Asia and Europe.
What is known is that they have been cultivated for many years and that the Romans and Greeks already knew of their existence, so much so that in Greece they used the cherry as a purifying remedy.
Despite its reputation for being sweet, it must be said that there are several types of cherries and not all of them are actually sweet, because there are also sour cherries or Duke cherries, which are a hybrid of both.
It is a fruit that must be harvested at the right time, because if it is taken from the tree before its time, it will not ripen and it will be a shame to waste its pleasant flavor when it is at its peak.
What nutrients and benefits does eating cherries provide?
Focusing on the nutritional properties of the cherry, eating a handful of this fruit our body obtains carbohydrates. It is much lighter than other fruits in terms of calories, but it provides simple sugars such as sucrose, fructose and glucose. In addition, it also has fiber, which should be taken into account, especially if what you are looking for is to improve intestinal transit.
This fruit is an important source of vitamins such as Vitamin C, provitamin A, thiamine and folates. We must add its minerals, among which potassium and, to a lesser extent, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.
It doesn't stop there, because cherries also stand out for their antioxidant thanks to the anthocyanins, some bioactives that, in addition, protect blood vessels. Also, it is said that they are capable of protecting against some tumors, including pancreatic cancer, skin, of lungs, breast and prostate thanks to compounds called monoterpenes.
Cherries fight aging, which provides extra protection to the organs of the human body, apart from physical aging.
Among other health benefits of eating cherries:
- Reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Regulates glucose.
- Prevents uric acid.
- It prevents gout.
- Helps reduce muscle damage.
- They promote mood thanks to the tryptophan and serotonin they have.
- It helps rest, because it has melatonin.
- Beautifies the skin.
When to eat cherries
Is May to July when you should look for cherries in your usual fruit store or supermarket, because this is when they can be eaten.
What is the cherry tree like?
Cherries grow from a tree about 20 meters high that belongs to the rosacea family. In addition to producing these exquisite fruits, the cherry tree is a beautiful tree when it is in bloom. And, in fact, there are poems dedicated to his idyllic image.
How to grow a cherry tree?
Having a cherry tree in your garden is a privilege, for the fruits it will give you and for the beautiful picture it will create in spring with pretty pink flowers. It is a tree that prefers temperate climates. It can withstand the cold, however, and will also love to receive a few hours of sun, regardless of whether it is direct.
It will ask for well-drained soil, so that the water does not spoil its roots. Also taking into account that it is one of the most beautiful trees that exist, it is advisable to prune it from time to time, to eliminate anything that negatively affects its aesthetics, such as withered leaves or dead branches, and enhance its beauty. In addition, this will help it grow more and better flowers.
As for the soil, the cherry tree has its preferences, so it will be good for it to grow in fertile soil, which is fertilized with good organic matter and, if you want to make sure that it is one hundred percent perfect, it will be if it has a pH neutral or slightly acidic.
As is often the case with other species, the cherry tree should not be overwatered if we do not want its roots to rot, but it does need regular watering.
What uses can you give to cherries?
From the tree to the table, if your crops are organic, you can eat the cherries directly picked. But, apart from that, you can eat them canned, make jams, cakes and other dishes. Even liquors that are very good.
You can also take advantage of your cherry tree to decorate with its flowers when you have events or simply decorate your favorite spaces in your home. Because we know that there are many properties and benefits of cherries, but not only them, but cherry blossoms are perfect for other uses, mainly ornamental.