Cherries
Cherries
Cherries (/ˈtʃɛriz/) are small, round fruits that come in a variety of colors and flavors. They belong to the genus Prunus, which also includes plums, peaches, and apricots. The two most common types of cherries are the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus).
Etymology
The word "cherry" comes from the Old Northern French cherise (the modern French word is cerise), which in turn comes from the Latin cerasum, referring to an ancient Greek region where cherries were first thought to be cultivated.
Types of Cherries
There are hundreds of different types of cherries, but the most common are the sweet cherry and the sour cherry. The sweet cherry is larger and slightly heart-shaped, while the sour cherry is smaller and rounder.
Sweet Cherry
The Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) is a species of cherry native to Europe, western Turkey, northwestern Africa, and western Asia. It is the species that bears the commercial cherry crop. Its fruit is more commonly eaten fresh or used in cooking.
Sour Cherry
The Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus), also known as tart cherry, is a species of Prunus in the subgenus Cerasus, native to much of Europe and southwest Asia. It is closely related to the sweet cherry, but has a fruit that is more acidic.
Health Benefits
Cherries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce inflammation and boost immunity. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Related Terms
- Cherry Blossom: The flower of any of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese cherry, Prunus serrulata.
- Cherry Tree: A tree that bears cherry fruits.
- Cherry Picking: The act of choosing and taking the most beneficial items from what is available.
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