Sweet cherries originated in Asia Minor in the fertile areas between the Black and Caspian seas and were likely brought to Europe by birds. The Greeks were the first to cultivate cherries and the Romans continued to increase and expand production.
Cherries came to the U.S. with English colonists in 1629 and later were introduced to California by Spanish missionaries. In the 1800s, sweet cherries were moved west by pioneers and fur traders to their major sites of production in Washington, Oregon and California. Today, California is the second largest producing state in the U.S. behind Washington. Harvest in California begins in mid-April and concludes in early to mid-June.
How are cherries grown and harvested?
Commercially-produced cherries are grafted to a rootstock and planted in straight rows in orchards. Farmers typically plant about 100 trees per acre. Pollination is essential for production and because cherry trees are not self-pollinating, two varieties of cherries must be planted in each orchard at a ratio of 9 to 1. Honey bees are the main pollinator.
After an orchard is planted, it takes about 6 years until it produces its first major crop. California cherries for the fresh market are harvested by hand leaving the stem, or pedicels, intact. They are harvested at the firm-mature stage and, traditionally, color change is used to determine when they are ready for harvest.
Fresh cherries have an extremely short shelf life and must be handled carefully to reduce bruising. As soon as cherries are picked from the trees, they are brought to a packing facility where they are immediately cooled using chilled water – a process called hydro cooling. They are then sorted by size and color and packed into boxes for shipping to markets around the world.
Cherries are very susceptible to damage from rain as they near harvest. For this reason, the volume of each year’s crop can vary depending on spring weather in California growing areas.
Where are California cherries grown?
The largest producing county for California cherries is in the center of the state in San Joaquin County near the small farming town of Lodi. This is where the traditional Bing cherry variety is grown because of the ideal climate that provides cold winter temperatures and warm, but not too hot, temperatures in the spring and summer months. Hot weather can cause Bing cherries to produce “doubles” or “spurs” which are considered defects. However, in recent years newer cherry varieties have been developed that are able to withstand higher temperatures. These varieties are now planted in California counties that are further south, as well as in the traditional San Joaquin County growing areas.
As a seasoned expert in the field of horticulture and agricultural practices, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the discussion on the origin, cultivation, and harvesting of cherries. With a background deeply rooted in the study of plant biology and agricultural history, I am well-equipped to shed light on the intricate details surrounding the journey of cherries from their origins to their current prominence in California.
The information provided in the article aligns with my comprehensive understanding of cherry cultivation and history. The assertion that sweet cherries originated in Asia Minor between the Black and Caspian seas is historically accurate. This region served as a cradle for many fruits, and cherries are no exception. The reference to the Greeks being the first to cultivate cherries and the subsequent expansion of production by the Romans is a testament to the historical cultivation practices of this coveted fruit.
The migration of cherries to the United States, brought by English colonists in 1629 and later introduced to California by Spanish missionaries, corresponds with the documented historical records of cherry propagation. The 1800s witnessed the westward movement of sweet cherries by pioneers and fur traders, establishing major production sites in Washington, Oregon, and California. Today, California stands as the second-largest producing state, a fact rooted in the historical evolution of cherry cultivation in the United States.
The section on the growth and harvesting of cherries resonates with my expertise in horticulture practices. The description of commercially-produced cherries being grafted to a rootstock, planted in orchards, and requiring careful pollination through honey bees aligns with standard agricultural procedures. The emphasis on the necessity of planting two cherry varieties for pollination and the role of honey bees underscores the intricacies of cherry cultivation.
The detailed explanation of the harvesting process, including the need for hand-picking to preserve the stem, the importance of firm-mature stage harvesting, and the immediate hydro cooling process to maintain freshness, accurately reflects the delicate nature of cherries as a perishable fruit. The information regarding the susceptibility of cherries to rain damage near harvest and the variability in crop volume based on spring weather conditions in California mirrors the challenges faced by cherry farmers.
Lastly, the focus on the largest producing county for California cherries, specifically San Joaquin County, and the mention of the traditional Bing cherry variety thriving in the ideal climate of cold winters and moderate spring and summer temperatures aligns with my knowledge of regional preferences and climate considerations in cherry cultivation.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article regarding the origin, cultivation, and harvesting of cherries is not only accurate but resonates deeply with my extensive expertise in the field of horticulture and agricultural practices.
In the 1800s, sweet cherries were moved west by pioneers and fur traders to their major sites of production in Washington, Oregon and California. Today, California is the second largest producing state in the U.S. behind Washington. Harvest in California begins in mid-April and concludes in early to mid-June.
Cherries are full of polyphenol antioxidants, which are found in plants, protect your heart from cell damage, and reduce inflammation. A study of more than 84,000 people found that people who got more polyphenols in their diets from foods like cherries had a lower risk of heart disease.
California is the second largest cherry producing state in the U.S. behind Washington. California cherries are the first of the season, making them eagerly anticipated around the world. The short California cherry season begins in mid-April and typically lasts into early June.
"Cherries are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, author of The Superfood Swap. "In fact, many research studies have found cherries offer a variety of health benefits from supporting heart health to exercise recovery to sleep."
That's about 81 million boxes of oranges each year, for whoever's counting. The state overtook Florida in citrus production in 2017 and now accounts for around 54% of the nation's citrus production industry.
Oranges, in particular, are a top commodity and one of the most consumed fruits by Americans. California produces more than 80% of the United States' fresh oranges and also exports to 16 countries around the world.
How Many Cherries Should You Eat a Day? A typical serving size of cherries is 5 ounces, or about 21 cherries. This amount serves up 90 calories, 3 grams of fiber and a healthy dose of potassium and vitamin C, per the USDA.
Cherries can be included in the diet for all stages of kidney disease. Cherries contain only trace amounts of sodium and are low in phosphorus. Sweet cherries are high in potassium (>200 mg in 3.5 ounces, which is almost one-half cup), while sour cherries are considered a low potassium food (<200 mg in 3.5 ounces).
Can Cause Allergic Reactions: Eating too many cherries can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms may be limited to the mouth and throat, including itching on lips. It can also cause swelling in mouth and can jam your throat if consumed too much.
Cherries have a good nutritional value with mostly Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and a healthy dose of fiber. What is this? Under ideal conditions, a cherry tree can produce fruit for over 100 years. The country of Turkey is by far the largest cherry producer followed by the U.S..
Both types are highly nutritious and packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. They are useful for supporting similar body functions, such as inflammation, muscle recovery, and sleep. However, sweet cherries have been shown to be more effective than tart cherries in some areas, and vice versa.
An early study by Kelley and colleagues at the USDA, published in the Journal of Nutrition, found that a daily dose of 45 sweet cherries reduced levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker) in the blood by 25 percent after 28 days.
Cherries contain anthocyanins and bioflavonoids that reduce inflammation and thus provides relief from migraines. Cherries also help to increase libido in both men and women. Vitamin A and Vitamin C, present in cherries, help to improve testosterone and estrogen and also improves sexual appetite.
Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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