Cherries
Cherry/Tiere
Availability
New Zealand cherries are available in November and February.
Storage and Handling
Store in the refrigerator. Handle all fresh produce with care and wash before eating.
History
Sweet cherries date from prehistoric times in Asia. The trees made it across the ocean as far as Britain by the first century A.D. It was not until the 15th century, however, that cherries became popular in Germany, France and England.
Facts
- Cherries belong to the stone fruit family along with peaches, plums and apricots
- Cherries must be picked ripe – they do not ripen after harvesting
Growing Facts
- Cherries like to grow in a temperate climate but do require a winter chill
- In New Zealand, Central Otago has the ideal climate for cherries
- Cherry trees will begin to produce a good amount of fruit after about six years and will go on producing fruit for around 100 years!
- The United States is the largest producer of cherries
Nutrition Information
Cherries are a good source of vitamin C and a source of potassium.
You will find the full Nutrition Information Panel on the New Zealand Food Composition Data website. This website is owned jointly by Plant & Food Research and the Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health. This website holds the most comprehensive collection of high-quality nutrient data for New Zealand foods. The Database is managed and maintained by dedicated Plant & Food Research staff.
