National Cherry Day
Life is just a bowl of cherries! So, make way for National Cherry Day, the time when this juicy little fruit is the star of the show.
How to Celebrate National Cherry Day
Celebrating National Cherry Day is no problem at all with such a delectable fruit at the center of attention. Try out some of these tips for celebrating the day:
Go Cherry Picking
Visiting a U-Pick farm for cherries is a fun way to enjoy National Cherry Day with friends and family.
Michigan, Washington, California and Oregon are a few of the states that produce prolific cherry crops, but others states might also have cherry farms that offer opportunities for picking them.
Visit a Cherry Festival
A great activity to plan for National Cherry Day would be to enjoy a mid-summer festival that honors and celebrates all things related to cherries.
The biggest cherry festival in the United States takes place in Traverse City, Michigan, which is in the northeastern portion of the state, near an area of famous sand dunes.
Often known as the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City celebrates the cherry each summer with live music and entertainment and tons of activities for the whole family.
This includes a Cherry Festival queen contest, the Festival of Races, talent shows, parades, kids’ clubs, bike races, air shows, sand sculpture contests and so much more.
Enjoy Cooking and Baking with Cherries
Once a nice cherry crop has been picked, it’s time to create treats in the kitchen! Whether canning or freezing them to save for later, or using them fresh in various recipes, National Cherry Day is the perfect time to make plans for this delicious fruit.
Cherries can be enjoyed in a wide array of sweet and savory dishes, including:
- Cherry Pie. It’s impossible to go wrong with this delightful and tasty treat that can be made either from sweet or tart cherries. Just whip up a simple crust, make a filling with the fresh cherries and bake until golden.Â
- Cherry Ice Cream. Making homemade ice cream in the middle of the summer is great fun–and even better when it is mixed up with a fresh crop of cherry goodness!Â
- Cherry Jam. Tart cherries make the most delicious jams, which can be put in lovely jars and given as hand-made gifts.Â
- Cherry Barbecue Sauce. An unexpected ingredient in barbecue, cherries add a unique flavor that complements ribs or chicken.
History of National Cherry Day
Sweet cherries are believed to have originated in Asia Minor and were likely transported to Europe naturally with the help of migrating birds.
The first to cultivate cherries were the Greeks, and the Romans continued on to expand the production of this healthy and tasty fruit.
Cherries made it to the United States in the 1600s with the help of English colonists who cultivated them, and they eventually moved west with settlers.
Cherries are also grown in Europe. Although the crop sadly decreased significantly in the UK during the 20th century, it has begun to make a comeback over the past several years.
National Cherry Day is the ideal time to learn about, appreciate and enjoy this simple, healthy and delicious fruit!
National Cherry Day FAQs
How did cherry stones inspire ancient games?
In medieval Europe, children played a game called “cherry pit counting.”
Players guessed the number of pits in a cherry before eating it. The game evolved into superstitions—counting pits could predict luck, love, or the weather.
Why are cherries a symbol of rebellion in some stories?
Cherries are tied to rebellion due to their association with forbidden indulgence.
In the 17th century, they were considered a luxury for the wealthy. This exclusivity led to cherry thefts by rebellious commoners, earning cherries a “forbidden fruit” reputation.
What’s the strangest cherry-related myth?
Some old legends claim cherries grant wishes when eaten under a full moon.
In Slavic folklore, farmers believed hanging cherry branches above their doors could protect them from misfortune and invite prosperity.
Why are cherries associated with speed?
Cherry wood burns quickly, making it a favored material for rapid campfires in early settlements.
This fast-burning trait inspired idioms in some cultures, equating cherries with fleeting moments or hasty actions.
What’s the role of cherries in beauty rituals?
Ancient Egyptians crushed cherries to create natural lip and cheek stains. Their vibrant red pigment mimicked a healthy flush, leading to their use as an early form of cosmetics.
How did cherries influence pirate life?
Pirates valued dried cherries as a scurvy prevention method during long voyages. Their high vitamin C content made them an essential treat for sailors, ensuring both health and a rare burst of sweetness at sea.
What’s the quirkiest cherry celebration ever recorded?
In 2017, a festival in Marostica, Italy, reenacted a 15th-century chess game using live performers dressed as cherries. The event highlighted the fruit’s role in historical storytelling and local traditions.
How do cherries appear in global literature?
Cherries symbolize fleeting youth in Japanese poetry, while in European fairy tales, they represent secret desires. Authors often use cherries to evoke themes of impermanence and hidden beauty.
What unusual tools are made from cherry wood?
Cherry wood is prized for crafting pipes due to its sweet aroma when smoked. It’s also used for making instruments like flutes, giving them a distinct tone and smooth finish.
What’s the connection between cherries and ancient dreams?
Romans believed dreaming of cherries was a sign of good fortune. They thought such dreams foretold an upcoming opportunity or a gift from the gods, linking cherries to serendipity.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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