On July 16, National Cherry Day takes center stage, offering an ideal occasion to revel in the joys of summertime. With diverse flavors ranging from sweet to tart and a vibrant color spectrum spanning red to yellow, Cherries present abundant culinary possibilities.
From delightful dishes to mouthwatering desserts and refreshing drinks, cherries lend themselves to various creations. Let us not fault George Washington for felling a cherry tree. Instead, let us appreciate that the thriving U.S. cherry industry yields over 650 million pounds of tart and sweet cherries annually.
History of National Cherry Day
Cherries have been cherished for centuries, gracing the tables of ancient civilizations like the Romans and Chinese. They journeyed to America alongside early settlers in the 1600s, becoming a beloved fruit.
In 1852, Peter Dougherty kickstarted modern cherry production by planting trees in Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula. The Midwest’s favorable climate led to widespread cultivation, and by 1893, commercial tart cherry orchards had taken root.
Surpassing other crops, the industry flourished, establishing the first cherry processing facility, Traverse City Canning Company. Maraschino cherries, derived from sweet varieties, gained popularity in the U.S.
The Balkan Peninsula and northern Italy birthed this dessert cherry by infusing liqueur into the local Marasca cherry. The United States welcomed these cherries in the 1890s.
In 1896, American cherry processors experimented with native sweet cherries for maraschino production, reducing the liqueur and adding almond oil. Eventually, the liqueur was eliminated. By 1920, the American version of maraschino cherries had triumphed, supplanting the non-native variety across the country.
How to Spend National Cherry Day
Explore a U-Pick Farm
Discover the joy of cherry picking at U-Pick farms in states like Oregon, California, and Michigan. Spend a delightful day outdoors, handpicking fresh cherries straight from the trees.
Create Black Cherry Iced Tea
Put a cherry twist on a classic Southern favorite by making black cherry iced tea. Elevate your summer beverage game by adding the vibrant flavors of cherries to this refreshing drink.
Join a Cherry-pit Spitting Contest
Test your skills at a cherry-pit spitting contest, an entertaining event that showcases your ability to launch cherry stones. Eau Claire, Michigan, renowned as the Cherry Pit Spitting Capital of the World, hosts the International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship annually. The world record currently stands at an impressive 93 feet 6.5 inches. Can you surpass it?
Enjoy these cherry-related jokes.
1. A man sat down in a restaurant, and the waiter came over to the table. The man says, “I’d like tomato juice, scrambled eggs with spinach, and some cherry pie.”
“But you haven’t looked at the menu yet,” said the waiter. “No, but I’ve looked at the tablecloth,” replies the man.
2. I came home from work, and my wife is crying.
That’s okay, dear. I’ll buy you a new dog.
3. A substitute teacher is calling roll for a class and notices a few kids are missing.
One boy comes in 5 minutes late. The sub asks, “Where have you been?”. “I was on top of Cherry Hill,” responds the boy. The sub marks him late, and the boy takes his seat.
Another boy comes in 5 minutes later. The sub asks, “Where have you been?”. “I was on top of Cherry Hill,” responds the boy. The sub marks him late, and the boy takes his seat.
Another boy comes in 5 minutes later. The sub asks, “Where have you been?”. “I was on top of Cherry Hill,” responds the boy. The sub marks him late, and the boy takes his seat.
A girl comes in soon after. The sub asks, “Let me guess, you were on top of Cherry Hill, weren’t you?”. “No, I am Cherry Hill,” responds the girl.
Do you want to ensure your children have a healthy diet? Eating a balanced diet is essential for your child’s growth, development, and overall health. Here’s how to teach your child to eat nutritious meals.
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