Where do they come from?
The cherry tree is quite a mystery since no one is sure of its origin. The ancient Greeks believed it came from a region of Anatolia called Kerasounta (In Greek, cherries are called “kerasia”). It is in present day Turkey on the coast of the Caspian sea. Turkey is still comes first in the production of cherries. Greece comes in 10th worldwide. Cherries are cultivated mainly in the Northern hemisphere.
When should they be planted?
Cherries are planted from March to May (just like peaches and all stone fruits). They are consumed from mid-May until the end of June.
Climate
The cherry tree prefers mountainous regions with no frost. They love exposure to the sun and they should avoid being exposed to a northern direction.
Nutritional analysis ( 30 cherries - 200 g)
| 100 g | % RI | |
| Energy (kcal) | 56 |
3 |
| Fats (g) | 0.1 | 0 |
| Saturates (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 11.5 | 4 |
| Suagrs (g) | 11.5 | 13 |
| Fibre (g) | 1.6 | 6 |
| Protein (g) | 0.88 | 2 |
| Salt (g) | 0 | 0 |
RecipesThe values represent the percentages offered to cover the needs of most people which are 2000 kcal per day.
Cherries are wonderful for making natural fruit juices, marmalades, tartes, creams and pies.
The article has been written in collaboration with Kitchen Lab’s Dietitian/Nutritionist Christos Papavaggelis.
