National Cherry Turnover Day
About National Cherry Turnover Day
When is National Cherry Turnover Day? This holiday is always celebrated on August 28
Today is a fun, food-filled holiday. It is National Cherry Turnover Day. On this August 28 holiday we celebrate by eating this sweet, flaky puff pastry with a cherry filling. This is the type of food you can have for breakfast. You can enjoy it as dessert for lunch or dinner, too. And, it is a great nighttime snack as well. To enjoy this holiday to the fullest, we suggest you have a turnover a few times during the day today. Then tomorrow, you can work off those extra calories at the gym!
A cherry turnover is a single serving snack. It is a flaky, golden puff pastry. They taste best when served hot and fresh. It is quite simple to make. First, you spread out a piece of dough into a square or rectangular shape, Next you put some cherry pie filing on it. Then, you fold it over into a rectangular shape. It is cooked by baking or frying. Finally, it is time for the fun part. You eat it!
Turnovers are best enjoyed with family or friends.
Cherry Trivia and Fun Facts
Here are some cherry trivia and fun facts to read as you munch on a fresh-made cherry turnover:
- The first recording of the cultivation of cherry trees goes back to ancient Mesopotamia in 300 B.C.
- In 72 B.C., Lucullus brought a cultivated cherry to Rome from northeastern Anatolia.
- Ancient Romans and Chinese dynasties also cultivated them.
- Prehistoric caves in Asia and Europe contained cherry pits.
- The first time turnovers were made was in 1440. At the time, cake was banned in some European countries.
- The trees are not native to North America. Early settlers brought them to the New World in the 1600s.
- According to legend, George Washington chopped down the family cherry tree. But, when confronted by his father, he could not tell a lie. He admitted to it.
- Cherry blossoms are a symbol of beauty and renewal.
- On August 30, 1909, Japan announced it was donating 2,000 cherry trees to the United States for planting along the Potomac River. The trees arrived in the United States on January 6, 1910. Today, millions of people visit D.C. at Cherry Blossom time just to see them in bloom.
- Japanese cherry trees do not produce fruit. Rather, they are ornamentals.
- The average mature tree produces approximately 7,000 cherries each year.
- It takes about 250 cherries to make a single pie.
- In the U.S., 650 million tons of cherries are brought to market every year.
- With over 30,000 acres of trees, Traverse City, Michigan is considered the Cherry Capital of the world.
- The world record for cherry pit spitting is 93 feet 6.5 inches.
How to Celebrate and Participate in National Cherry Turnover Day
It’s always a culinary delight to patriciate in food holidays. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy National Cherry Turnover Day:
- Visit your local bakery and order some.
- Bring some to work to share with your co-workers.
- Share some with neighbors or friends over a cup of coffee.
- Make cherry turnovers at home from scratch.
- Take pictures to share on social media.
Today's Quote
“The significance of the cherry blossom tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. In Japan the cherry blossom represents the fragility and the beauty of life. It’s a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short.” – – Homaro Cantu
History and Origin of National Cherry Turnover Day
Our extensive research has not yet uncovered the creator of this holiday or why it was created. It could have been a bakery chef. Or, perhaps it was created by someone just like you and me who loves cherry turnovers. We also do not know why August 28th was chosen to celebrate this holiday. August is not cherry harvest season. And, we found no significant historical events related to cherries or turnovers on this date.
The earliest reference to this holiday that we found was 2005. It was originally called Cherry Turnover Day. Several years after its creation, some websites began to add the word “National” to the title. We don’t know why, as it is not a true national holiday. No documentation exists to confirm this to be a “National” day. We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
In addition to National Cherry Turnover Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Pharmacists John Lea and William Perrins manufacture Worcestershire Sauce. (1837)
- Martin Luther King Jr. makes his “I Have a Dream” speech. (1963)
- Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of Catholic Schools, first American-born saint was born on this day in 1774.
Related Articles
People who like National Cherry Turnover Day will also like:
Are food holidays your favorites? See our list of Food Holidays.
More August 28 Holidays
In addition to National Cherry Turnover Day, here are more August 28 holidays we are certain you will enjoy:
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Thimbleweed
Recipe of the Day: Cherry Popovers
Holiday Insights, where every day in August is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. August holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.