CHERRY TREE ,CHERRY WOOD CHERRY FRUIT ,CHERRY BLOSSOM

 CHERRY TREE ,CHERRY WOOD CHERRY FRUIT ,CHERRY BLOSSOM

Well, the term Cherry is all too familiar to invest time on explaining it. The attribute that  one refers to of the plant is suffixed by any of the terms presented above. Undoubtedly, Cherry is European by any reckoning, though several territories of both hemispheres have cherry cultivation.

Going by the nomenclature, it should be clear that the plant is a Tree and that the different aspects are precisely named. Interestingly, several plant species go by the name ‘Cherry’. Most of them are botanically PRUNUS of the family ROSACEAE or the rose family. Of these, Prunus avium –popular as sweet cherry is said to be the True cherry. It implies that several other fruits also carry the name ‘Cherry’.In certain cultures, almonds [Prunus amygdalis] are also referred to as Cherry. Some of the cherry trees are called ornamental cherry or Cherry blossom,while in British isles Prunus avium is called Wild cherry, though any tree of the uncultivated Cherry variety is named Wild cherry. So much for the confusion in local identity; thank God, India is not among  the Cherry cultivating nations. Indeed it is a captivating sight to come across cherry in flowers –Cherry blossom. Some of them decorate the area around Kodaikanal lake. No wonder,  the noted Shoe shine product carried the name ‘Cherry blossom’ suggesting its brilliance of captivating attraction. There is also a sour cherry [Prunus cerasus].The two cherry versions - sweet and sour do not cross pollinate, saving their individualty .

The onset of flowering [blossom] requires a spell of chill climate –typical of trees of temperate latitude. It also explains why India is not on Cherry map of the world. Despite its origin in the west,in India,Cherry fruits are widely used especially in Ice cream or Cake decoration or as ripe fruits- a delicacy for many.

Stepping aside a bit, let us try to recognise the nutritional value of ‘Cherry’.

Like most fruits, Cherry has water =82 g’/ 100 g fruit.

Carbohydrates= 16 g,  Sugars- 12.6 g,  Fat = low,  Fibre= 2 g, Protein= 1 g

Of the minerals,  Iron 0.35 mg, Calcium= 13 mg , Magnesium= 11 mg , Manganese=0.07 mg, Phosphorous = 20 mg, Potassium= 220 mg, Zinc=0.07 mg

Vitamin A [ beta carotene= 3 µg], Lutein =38 µg, Zeaxanthin= 82 µg, Thiamine [B1]=0.27 µg, , Riboflavin [B2]=0.33 µg, Niacin [B3] =0.154 µg, Pantothenic acid=0.2 µg, Vitamin [B6]= 0.048 µg, Folate [B9]= 4 µg, Choline =6.1 µg, Vitamin C=7.0 mg , Vitamin K =2.1 µg

The data suggests an array of benefits to the consumer; yet discretion demands our being alert as to the possible ‘fall out ‘from high level intake of kernels, and not from the fleshy structures of the fruit.  

Health risk

Cherry seeds have kernels within the hard nut ; breaking the shell, the kernel can be chewed. A toxin Amygdalin is reported from kernels of some of the cherry varieties.  In low quantity it causes no harm. If consumed in excess quantity,  it may prove fatal. So, high volume consumption of such kernels is to be avoided.   

Prof. K. Raman