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healthy eating: happy national cherry day

cherry pits are generally safe to eat, even though they contain amygdalin, a chemical that the body can convert into cyanide.

by chris arnold
published jul 14, 2022
read time 3 minute read
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read time 3 minute read
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healthy eating: happy national cherry day
in canada, about 95 per cent of cherries, come from british columbia. getty
there’s a reason the expression “cherry on top” exists. the small red fruit does make a lot of things better. as a delicious summer snack, the cherry has cemented itself as one of the most widely beloved fillings for pies and toppings for sundaes. national cherry day is july 16, which is a perfect time to try out some delicious new recipes.

where do cherries come from?

most cherry species come from asia, but there are a dozen or so that are native to north america and europe, according to britannica. 
in canada, about 95 per cent of cherries, come from british columbia. specifically, the okanagan valley, similkameen valley, and creston valley are the best spots in b.c. to grow the fruit. most of the other five per cent of canada’s cherry production comes from southern ontario. 

how do i know if the cherries are ready to pick?

this changes based on the specific type of cherry you’re looking to pick. cherries are ready to be picked when they reach their full size and colour, but that can vary from species to species. it’s ok to taste one to check if it’s fully ripe though, just be sure it’s clean. 
in ontario, cherry season usually lasts from july to august. finding cherries in neighbourhoods around toronto isn’t uncommon, and depending on the specific community, it’s free and safe to take some home. 

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generally, it’s a bad idea to take home any cherries that have fallen off the tree naturally. aside from the fruit just having been on the ground for an indeterminate amount of time, the fruit that falls is usually not ripe, as the tree can actually sacrifice some cherries to save energy for others. 

cherries can help with inflammation and sleep

tart cherries can help with inflammation, heart health, sleep quality, and workout recovery.
a review from 2018 found that 11 out of 16 studies showed a reduction in inflammation after eating the fruit. that impact also applied to cherry juice. 
cherries also contain melatonin, a well known sleep supplement that is also available over the counter. melatonin occurs in the body naturally, but some people can use extra to get to sleep. 

cherry pits may upset your stomach, but they are safe to eat

cherries can cause stomach problems, due to chemicals called salicylates. the chemicals are naturally made by many plants and help protect against insects and disease, and are even found in aspirin, but can also cause an upset stomach in some people. 
cherry pits also contain amygdalin, a chemical that the body can convert into cyanide. too much cyanide can be deadly, as it can disrupt the process of transporting oxygen around the body. fortunately, the pits actually need to burst in order to deliver the chemical, otherwise they’re relatively safe to eat. 
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canadian society for exercise physiology
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how to eat and prepare cherries 

other than on top of an ice cream sundae, there are a ton of ways to enjoy cherries. raw, the round red fruit makes a quick, tasty summertime snack that is available at almost any time. and cherry pie is a classic for a reason (pie crust itself is simple enough to make with just a few simple ingredients.) then, pit the cherries, and add them to a pan with sugar and lemon juice, cook over heat until juicy, and you’ve got yourself a classic pie filling that pairs well with ice cream.
 
chris arnold is a toronto-based writer.
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