NATIONAL CHERRY DAY

NATIONAL CHERRY DAY

Every year on July 16, National Cherry Day invites us to celebrate one of summer's most beloved fruits--the cherry. Whether you love sweet cherry treats or tart cherry delights, cherries area  true summertime treat that always delivers a burst of delicious flavor.

#NationalCherryDay

Cherries have a history as rich as their flavor that have been enjoyed since ancient times. There is documented evidence of cherries mentioned in Greek text as far back as 300 B.C. Like many things, cherries were brought to the U.S. by early settlers. It's true there were cherry species in the U.S. before settlers arrived, but those were and are not the same "type" of cherry we find in the store today.

Did you know? Modern cherry production in the U.S. began in 1852 when Peter Dougherty began planting cherry trees on Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula.

More than just a tasty fruit, cherries are packed with nutrients and offer several health benefits. They are loaded with antioxidants and contain compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body, including alleviating symptoms caused by arthritis and muscle soreness. Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, which means they can contribute to better sleep quality. Best of all, enjoying cherries can help reduce reduce bad cholesterol levels and promote overall cardiovascular health.

Delightful Cherry Facts

  • Michigan is the cherry capital of the world, growing over 70% of all cherries consumed in the U.S.

  • An average cherry tree can yield up to 7,000 cherries, which is enough to make about 28 pies!

  • There are two main types of cherries--sweet and tart.

  • There are over 1,000 varieties of cherries worldwide and can be found in everything from jams and pies to barbecue sauces and even unique savory dishes.

  • Cherries are botanical cousins to the Rosaceae family (Rose family).

HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CHERRY DAY

National Cherry Day is a wonderful opportunity to savor the flavors of summer, appreciate the rich history of this fruit, and enjoy its numerous health benefits. So, grab a handful of cherries and celebrate this delightful day! Here is our shortlist to get you started:

  1. Visit a local a local farmers' market or a "U-Pick" cherry farm. There’s nothing quite like fresh, locally grown cherries enjoyed straight from the basket!

  2. Whip up classic cherry pies, tarts, crumbles, or even a batch of cherry-filled muffins.

  3. Create or experiment with your own cherry recipe. How does a cherry salsa sound?

  4. Learn about the different types of cherries and where they are found. If you're out traveling today, make a stop to see if you can find some!

  5. Share your photos and recipes on social media using the hashtag #NationalCherryDay.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHERRY DAY

Our research found National Cherry Day seems to have originated as a British initiative to raise awareness of their local cherry harvest. We're making the assumption Americans decided to embrace the initiative to celebrate Michigan's title of being the cherry capital of the world! Not to mention we all love the fresh fruit in the summer months.