Ten fun facts about Cherries

1. Record-breaking cherry pie baked in Canada

In Canada, a record-breaking cherry pie was baked that weighed an astonishing 39,683 pounds! This pie was so large that it was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the biggest cherry pie in the world. The pie was made with over 20,000 pounds of cherries, and it took over 24 hours to bake. It was a truly remarkable feat of baking that will be remembered for years to come.

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2. Traverse City's National Cherry Festival

Every year since 1925, Traverse City, Michigan has celebrated the National Cherry Festival, a week-long event that honors the city's cherry-growing heritage. This festival has become so popular that it has been ranked one of the top ten festivals in the United States by USA Today. During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as cherry-themed parades, cherry pie-eating contests, and live music performances. There are also plenty of opportunities to sample the local cherries, from fresh-picked fruit to cherry-infused dishes. The National Cherry Festival is a great way to experience the culture and history of Traverse City.

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3. 10-15 years to fruit bearing production for sweet cherry trees

It takes a significant amount of time for sweet cherry trees to reach full fruit bearing production - typically 10 to 15 years after being planted. While some trees may produce fruit in as little as 5 years, it is not until the 10-15 year mark that the tree will reach its full potential for fruit production.

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4. Cherry Harvest Costs $175,000

Cultivating cherries is an expensive and labor-intensive endeavor. To ensure a successful harvest, farmers must invest in specialized equipment, such as a cherry shaker, which can cost upwards of $175,000. This machine shakes the trees to dislodge the ripe fruit, making it easier to collect. Additionally, cherry trees require regular pruning and spraying to protect them from pests and diseases. All of this effort is necessary to ensure a successful harvest of this delicious fruit.

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5. What are Maraschino cherries?

Cherries come in a variety of colors, but the most popular are red and green Maraschino cherries. These cherries are specially treated to preserve their flavor and color, and can even be produced in custom colors to suit any occasion. Whether you're looking for a classic red or green cherry, or something more unique, Maraschino cherries are a great way to add a splash of color to any dish.

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6. Michigan leads tart cherry production

Michigan is the undisputed leader in tart cherry production, with an annual output of 200 to 250 million pounds. This is more than double the amount of tart cherries produced by the next leading state, Utah, which produces around 100 million pounds per year. Michigan's tart cherry production is largely concentrated in the northwest region of the state, where the climate is ideal for growing tart cherries. The tart cherry industry in Michigan is a major economic driver, providing jobs and income to thousands of people in the state.

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7. The Unique Bark of a Cherry Tree

The bark of a cherry tree is truly unique, with a smooth, satin-like texture that is easily distinguishable from other trees. What's more, the bark is dotted with small, round openings known as lenticels, which are highly visible and give the tree an even more distinct look.

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8. Sour or Sweet?

Sour cherries are a great choice for those looking for a low-sugar, low-calorie snack. Despite their lower sugar content, they are still packed with Vitamin C, carbohydrates and water, making them a nutritious and hydrating snack. Sweet cherries, on the other hand, are higher in sugar but still contain a good amount of Vitamin C, carbohydrates and water.

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9. How to Select and Store Cherries

When selecting cherries, it's important to look for ones with stems still attached and no brown spots. Sour cherries should be a bright red hue, while sweet cherries should be a deep, dark color. It's also important to give them a gentle squeeze to make sure they're ripe and juicy. If they're too hard, they won't be as flavorful.

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10. The History of the Cherry

The term 'cherry' has a long and interesting history. It is derived from the Latin word 'cerasum', which is the origin of the name 'Cerasus', the city in Turkey where the cherry was first exported to Europe. This export of cherries to Europe marked the beginning of the fruit's popularity, and it has since become a beloved treat around the world.

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