Cherry (Prunus avium)
OriginBrought by a general
In 74 BC, the Roman general Lucullus brought cherry trees from the city of Kerasos on the Black Sea to Rome.
The sweet cherry originates in the wild from the region between the Caspian and Black Seas and also grows as a wild cherry in Central European forests – kernels found in Stone Age settlements show that they have long been gathered here. The Romans introduced its systematic cultivation. The name of the city of Kerasos, today Giresun in Turkey, is derived from the Latin word for cherry. cerasus and in German, "Kirsche".
The sour cherry Prunus cerasus The Morello cherry is likely a natural cross between a sweet cherry and a steppe cherry. It is less demanding, more frost-resistant, and more aromatic, but too sour to eat fresh – the Morello cherry is the best-known variety. Turkey is the world's largest cherry producer; in Germany, the Altes Land, Franconia, and the region around Frankfurt are well-known growing areas.
To useWhat the cherry does for you
deliver cherries Anthocyanins, Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Sour cherries contain significantly more anthocyanins than sweet cherries, and also a little bit of... Melatonin, the hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle.
In a small controlled study, tart cherry juice concentrate increased melatonin levels and slightly prolonged sleep duration. In marathon runners, tart cherry juice accelerated muscle recovery in the days surrounding the race. And in an observational study, people with gout who ate cherries had fewer gout attacks—presumably because cherries slightly lower uric acid levels.
To put this in perspective: These are small studies, often using concentrated amounts far exceeding a handful of cherries. The results are interesting, but no substitute for good sleep hygiene or gout treatment. As a fruit, cherries are a delight anyway.
IngredientsThis is what's inside the cherry
Cherries contain sugar (sweet cherries about 13 g per 100 g, sour cherries less), fruit acids, potassium, Vitamin C, dietary fiber and sorbitol. The red color comes from Anthocyanins, especially cyanidin-3-rutinoside; also chlorogenic acid, quercetin and, in sour cherries, melatonin in small amounts.
The kernels contain amygdalin, which releases hydrocyanic acid when chewed. Swallowing a whole kernel is harmless because it is excreted undigested. It only becomes dangerous if many kernels are chewed or ground cherry kernels are consumed.
Enhanced combinationsWhat makes the cherry stronger
Cherries go well with chocolate, almonds and hearty roasts - and sour cherries belong in almost every pastry.
Black Forest cherry cake is no coincidence: cherry and cocoa belong together.
Almond accentuates the cherry flavor because both share the same aroma, benzaldehyde.
Sour cherry sauce with duck or venison - the acid cuts through the fat.
A small glass of unsweetened sour cherry juice - that's how it was done in the sleep studies.
Pitted cherries in muesli or as compote.
Frozen sour cherries are ideal for cakes, compotes and smoothies.
What contradicts itselfIt's best to avoid these combinations.
Bitten kernels release prussic acid - children should only eat pitted cherries or under supervision.
Cherries contain sorbitol and fructose - eating many cherries at once can cause bloating.
The warning dates back to a time of contaminated wells. With today's drinking water, this is not a problem.
Many sour cherry nectars contain a lot of sugar - for the study effect, dilute with unsweetened juice or pure juice.
Cherries with stems keep longer if kept cool and unwashed.
Pits, stems and leaves contain amygdalin - only pitted cherries for dogs.
In the kitchenWhere she belongs
- Cherry clafBread pudding with cherries - the Palatinate's leftover dish.
- ClafoutisCherries baked in egg batter, a French classic.
- Black Forest cakeChocolate sponge cake, sour cherries, cream, cherry brandy.
- Cherry compoteSour cherries with cinnamon and vanilla, thickened with starch.
- Duck with cherry sauceSour cherries cooked with port wine and red wine.
- Cherry sheet cakeSponge cake batter with streusel topping and sour cherries.
- Cold Cherry SoupSour cherries with cinnamon, served cold with semolina dumplings.
- Cherry saladSweet cherries, arugula, feta cheese, pistachios.
- Cherry sorbetPuree the pitted cherries and freeze them.
- Red fruit jellyWith currants and raspberries.
As a home remedyThe cherry pit pillow
Make your own cherry pit pillow
- Collect cherry pits, wash them thoroughly and boil them with a little vinegar water for 10 minutes.
- Dry in the oven at 100 °C for one hour until completely dry.
- Fill a linen or cotton bag with about 500g of kernels and sew it closed.
- To heat, microwave for 1 to 2 minutes at medium power or bake for 15 minutes at 120 °C; to cool, place in the freezer.
Warming for stomach aches, bloating, menstrual cramps, and neck tension – the kernels retain heat for a long time and release it evenly. Cold for bruises and headaches. A classic for children.
As often as needed. Check the temperature on your forearm before applying; for infants, only lukewarm and never unattended. Do not overheat the pillow – the kernels can char.
Ayurveda & TCMWhat the old systems say
Ayurveda
In modern Ayurvedic texts, cherries are described as sweet and sour, with a slightly warming effect. They are considered beneficial for Vata, calming for the mind, and a light evening fruit; for Pitta, sweeter varieties are recommended.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the cherry (Ying TaoIt is sweet and warm. It is said to nourish Qi and blood, strengthen the spleen, and dispel wind-dampness – traditionally used for fatigue and joint pain. Due to its warming nature, it is only recommended in moderation for conditions of heat.
Warning noticesWhen you should be careful
Please note
- Cores: Do not bite them; small children should only have pitted cherries.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: Sorbitol and fructose can cause flatulence in larger quantities.
- Gout: Cherries are a supplement, not a treatment - do not stop taking medication on your own.
- Allergy: Cross-reaction with birch pollen and other stone fruits is possible.
- Dogs: Only stoned and without stems.
This page provides information and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.
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SourcesWhat is this based on?
- Howatson G et al. Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality. European Journal of Nutrition 2012; 51(8): 909–916.
- Howatson G et al. Influence of tart cherry juice on indices of recovery following marathon running. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 2010; 20(6): 843–852.
- Zhang Y et al. Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2012; 64(12): 4004–4011.
- Kelley DS, Adkins Y, Laugero KD. A review of the health benefits of cherries. Nutrients 2018; 10(3): 368.
- USDA FoodData Central: Cherries, sweet, raw and Cherries, sour, red, raw.
