In Western Australia, the fabulous fresh varieties have become entwined with Christmas, popping up on platters and in desserts throughout the annual festivities.
But how much do you know about these ever-bright delights?
They are blooming marvellous
The cherry tree is part of the rose family, also known as rosaceae. Perhaps that explains why when they come into full bloom, they are pretty as a picture.
They burst into striking shades of pink and white in spring, though weather conditions can shift flowering times.
Japan is renowned for its cherry blossoms, but the Southern Forests and Perth Hills regions – where most of our cherries are grown – are also blooming lovely when the buds burst.
Like other members of this large family, their flowers have five petals and numerous stamens. Ornamental cherry trees are generally just planted for their looks; their fruit is very sour and best left for the birds.
Mild, wet winters and hot summers give cherries the right chill hours to set fruit and enough warmth for them to ripen beautifully.
They have been around forever
Like other stonefruits such as apricots, peaches, mangoes, nectarines and plums, cherries are a summer fruit. Though the season varies with the weather, Western Australian cherries generally come into their own in December, though you will find them from November through to February.
But though their season might be short, cherries have been part of diets for thousands of years. The word cherry is derived from an old Norman word cherise, which in turn comes from the Latin cerasum. This references the ancient Greek region of Kerasous, from which cherries were first thought to have been brought to the rest of Europe.
There is no one original source of cherries, with different varieties from Europe to Asia and parts of northern Africa consumed since prehistoric times.
The most common cherry for eating is the sweet cherry, while the sour cherry is mostly cultivated for cooking. The Chinese cherry also bears sweet fruit.
There are more than 40 different varieties grown in Australia, including Black Star, Empress, Lapins and Stella.
They are packed with goodness
Cherries don’t just taste delicious, they are good for you. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps keep you healthy. A handful of cherries will supply half your daily needs.
They are packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from damage – the darker the flesh, the more bug-fighting antioxidants.
Cherries are also a good source of potassium, which helps balance the body’s salt intake, and dietary fibre.
Just don’t waste any time eating or cooking them to make the most of their godness and flavour. They don’t ripen after harvest so buy them not long before you intend to share them. Store them in the fridge in a recyclable bag away and don’t put heavier fruit of vegies on top of them – cherries bruise easily.
They are made to be savoured
When those shiny orbs hit the shelves, grab them. While it’s tempting to wash and simply scoff them as they come – minus the pits, of course – cherries can be enjoyed in many ways.
- Festive flair: Arrange some cherries on a cheese board with creamy brie or tangy goat’s cheese from Bookara Goat Dairy. They will make any platter pop.
- Super salads: Pit a handful and slice them into a spinach or rocket salad. Add some nuts (toasted almonds work a treat), and drizzle with a little olive oil and balsamic for a sweet-tart finish.
- Delightful drinks: Pit and muddle some cherries into a summer spritz or steep them in lemonade or mineral water for a refreshing drink.
- Baking bliss: Just like their stonefruit sisters, cherries make beautiful baked goods. Fold them into scones, muffins or pancake batters – that pop of juice is a lovely surprise.
- Perfect preserves: If you’re lucky enough to score a box of these beauties, don’t let them go to waste. Add some sugar and lemon and turn into a jam, compote or cherry syrup for ice-cream, yoghurt or even cocktails.
And what better way to enjoy them on a hot day than with ice-cream. Add fresh cherries to a bowl of your favourite vanilla ice-cream or make your own with the flavoursome fruit.
However you choose to consume cherries, make sure they are local. Homegrown fruit in season will always taste sweeter – and be better for you.