Quck answer
Not all cherries are red. While the most common type of cherry is red, there are also cherries that come in different colors such as yellow, black, and even white. Each color of cherry has its own unique flavor and characteristics. Red cherries are typically sweet, while yellow cherries are often more tart. Black cherries tend to have a richer, more intense flavor. White cherries, also known as Rainier cherries, are sweet with a slight hint of tanginess. So, cherries come in a variety of colors, each offering a different taste experience.
Did you know that February is National Cherry Month? When you think of cherries, you might imagine the sweet red fruit that is often found on top of an ice cream sundae or a warm slice of cherry pie.
However, it may surprise you to learn that not all cherries are sweet… and not all cherries are red either!
Cherries come from various plants in the genus Prunus. They are fleshy stone fruits, meaning they have a single seed or “stone.” The seed of a cherry is commonly referred to as the “pit.”
While there are indeed cherry varieties that turn bright red, there are also others that appear much darker, almost purple. These darker cherries are often called “black cherries.”
Rainier cherries, sometimes known as “white cherries,” have white flesh with a skin that turns yellowish-pink when ripe.
The vibrant red maraschino cherries used as toppings for ice cream sundaes do not naturally obtain that color. Manufacturers of canned maraschino cherries use artificial dyes to ensure that their cherries appear bright red.
In an article, The New York Times reported that some bees in Brooklyn that had sampled cherry juice produced at a nearby maraschino cherry factory began to turn red and produce scarlet-colored honey. Beekeepers later discovered that the bees and their honey were filled with Red Dye No. 40, the dye used by the factory to artificially color their maraschino cherries.
Summer is the season for fresh cherries, but canned, frozen, and dried cherries can be found throughout the year. While many people associate cherries with sweetness, tart cherries are often used in various recipes, including traditional cherry pie. Tart cherries are typically canned or sold as cherry pie filling.
The United States produces over 650 million pounds of cherries annually. Oregon and Washington are responsible for approximately 60 percent of the nation’s sweet cherry production.
Michigan, on the other hand, produces 75 percent of the nation’s tart cherry crop. In fact, Traverse City, Michigan, is known as the Cherry Capital of the World.
Whether they are fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, cherries offer numerous health benefits! Scientists consider cherries to be a nutritious “super fruit” due to their high antioxidant content, which can help lower the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants in cherries also support the immune system and can slow down the aging process.
Now, let’s talk about George Washington. You may have heard the story that he chopped down a cherry tree when he was a young boy.
But why would he do such a thing? The truth is, we cannot be certain whether he really cut down a cherry tree or not.
An early biography of Washington included the story about the cherry tree, but some suspect that the author may have fabricated it to showcase Washington’s honesty. Isn’t that ironic?
Give It a Try
Today’s Wonder of the Day is the perfect excuse to head to the kitchen and prepare some cherry-themed treats!
If you can find fresh cherries in season, try pitting about two cups’ worth to make a delicious fresh cherry cobbler.
If you prefer to use cherry pie filling, test your skills by making these easy-to-make miniature chocolate-cherry cheesecakes!
If you enjoy canning, you can even make your own homemade maraschino cherries.
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