JD COOLING | General
Happy National Cherry Day to all the fantastic British cherry growers who are doing an amazing job to ensure we get to enjoy quality fresh cherries this summer.
Throughout the day we will be sharing some ‘cool’ facts about this beloved and juicy stone fruit.
And our first ‘cool’ fact of the day is:
Cherries are packed with nutrients, particularly fibre, vitamin C and potassium. They are also rich in antioxidants, melatonin, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
So, when you’re treating yourself to a scrumptious cherry pie to celebrate National Cherry Day you can do so without feeling guilty.
Here’s one of the many gorgeous cherry pie recipes out there using British cherries. https://www.berrygardens.co.uk/british-cherries/cherry-and-bay-pie/
Cherry Fact Two
The expression “to cherry pick”, meaning to select only the best, dates back only to the 60’s.
So, when you’re next doing your food shopping, take a look at the packaging before buying to be sure ‘to cherry pick’ cherries that have been grown by our amazing British cherry growers. https://britishgrowers.org/our-members/
Cherry Fact Three
The English word “cherry” comes from Old Northern French or Normal “cherise” from the Latin “cerasum,” referring to an ancient Greek region, Kerasous, near Giresun, Turkey, from which cherries were first thought to be exported to Europe.
Cherry Fact Four
Cherries are best paired with herbs like sage, chives, and verbena; dairy products like sweet cream and ricotta cheese; and with meats like pork and beef especially when black pepper is added. https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/ingredients/cherry-recipes
Cherry Fact Five
What is the best post-harvest cooling method to lock in the freshness and quality from field to fork?
- Rapid chill (ideally with high humidity). Hydrocooling is best – removing field heat from the crop. The result is low, uniform crop temperatures and vastly enhanced quality.
- Cherries should ideally then be stored between -1OC to 0OC over 95% R.H (relative humidity) – resulting in a life span of around 2 to 4 weeks.
- Depending on when the product is harvested, Controlled Atmosphere Storage (CA) is another option to consider.
Want to know more, please visit: https://www.jdcooling.com/contact/
Cherry Fact Six
Cherries were introduced into England at Teynham, near Sittingbourne in Kent, by order of Henry VIII, who had tasted them in Flanders.
Wow, and now the UK is home to so many fantastic cherry growers with farms throughout the UK, who are working tirelessly to bring fresh and quality cherries from field to fork.
So, here’s a virtual high five and massive thank you from everyone at JD Cooling Group.
