Black cherryPosted 10 years ago under Health
Contents [Hide]
Black cherries are a delicious snack with many health benefits. Known to work as an anti-inflammatory, they are a great way to relieve muscle soreness and gout. The anthocyanins are good for cardiovascular health and the prevention of cancer. Typically its consumed fresh or in juice form. (1)
Taxonomy
The black cherry comes from the Prunus serotina tree.
Kingdom (Plantae) –> Angiosperms –> Eudicots –> Rosids –> Order (Rosales) –> Family (Rosaceae) –> Genus (Prunus) –> Subgenus (Padus) –> Species (Prunus serotina)
Description
The black cherry tree can grow up to 125 feet tall with bark that looks like burnt flakes on a mature tree. On an immature tree, the bark looks like the bark on a birch tree. The leaves are two to six inches long and a vibrant shiny green color. The flowers are small and white and the fruits are a cherry that are dark red or black in color when ripe. (2)
Distribution
The black cherry tree is native to eastern North America as far north as Quebec and as far south as Florida. A few small areas are found in the mountains of Mexico and Guatemala as well as Arizona and New Mexico. (3) They thrive in sunny areas and do well in most soils except for wetland or desert soils. (4)
Nutritional Information
Black cherries are a rich source of nutrition. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and copper. They are low on the glycemic index, making them a good choice for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia. They’re a good source of anthocyanins and natural melatonin. (5)
Commercial Cultivation
Black cherry trees are usually planted as seedlings. (6) They can take ten years to start producing fruit. Maximum production is reached within thirty years. (7)
Diseases. Pests, Predators
Black cherry trees suffer from some common forest pests including the eastern tent caterpillar and cherry scallop shell moth. The most common disease is the black knot fungus. (8)
Sources
(1) http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/issue/16-cherries-the-superfood-you-should-know-about/
(2) http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_prse2.pdf
(3) http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_prse2.pdf
(4) http://www.theforester.com/planting-instructions.html
(5) http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/issue/16-cherries-the-superfood-you-should-know-about/
(6) http://www.theforester.com/planting-instructions.html
(7) http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_prse2.pdf
(8) http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_prse2.pdf