National Cherry Day
About National Cherry Day
When is National Cherry Day? This holiday is always celebrated on July 16
Foodies are going to just love today’s holiday. At this time of the summer, the cherry harvest is at its peak. The harvest only lasts for a few weeks. So, let the pit-spitting contests begin! Today is the perfect time to celebrate National Cherry Day. Yes, July 16 holidays couldn’t be sweeter. And, this one might be the sweetest holiday of the whole month. Many farming communities celebrate with a harvest festival. And, we don’t have to tell you what is in all of the baked goods at the celebrations. You don’t have to live in a farming community to celebrate this sweet summer treat. Hold a festival in your community. Or, have a party with your neighbors.
There are sweet cherries for eating fresh. And tart, or sour varieties, are best for baking. There is even a yellow variety. Yellow varieties are sweet. In addition to tasting good, they are good for your health.
Did You Know? National Cherry Month is not in July. Rather, it is in February.
Cherries and Your Health
Pop a few into your mouth and feel guiltless. Why!? Simply because they are good for you.
While they are sweet, they are also low in calories. Cherries are high in fiber. They are high in vitamins A and C. Their high level of antioxidants helps to fight free radicals. It contains anti-inflammatory properties, too. And, they have lots of potassium. Cherries are gluten-free.
Studies show that they help to lower blood pressure. And, if you have trouble sleeping, have a few pieces of this magical fruit in the evening. They contain melatonin, a natural chemical that helps to induce sleep.
Even diabetics can enjoy the natural sugars in cherries. But, don’t eat a whole bunch at one sitting. Rather, eat a few at a time.
National Cherry Day Trivia and Fun Facts
Here are some cherry trivia and fun facts to read as you munch on some fresh-picked sweet cherries:
- 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 tree 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 fruit 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 Day
There are countless ways to celebrate National Cherry Day. Here are a few ideas:
- Buy some fresh sweet cherries. Then, simply enjoy them!
- Bake them in a pie or cookies.
- Find a recipe for them that you’ve never made before. Make it and enjoy!
- Bring a pie or cookies to work to share with co-workers.
- Give a pie or cookies to someone who needs cheering up.
- Hold a pit-spitting contest!
- They make a great frozen daiquiri. It’s five o’clock somewhere.
- Have a festival to celebrate the harvest.
Today's Quote
“The significance of the cherry blossom tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. In their country, it 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 Day
The roots of this holiday goes back many centuries. Farmers and communities with cherry orchards gathered to celebrate the harvest. This holiday originated in the United States and the United Kingdom. We have not yet identified when National Cherry Day was officially created.
Neither Congress nor the President of the United States has proclaimed a national day for cherries. Nor have we found any official proclamation from England’s parliament or the royal family. Let’s change that. Write your local congressperson and the President of the U.S. to voice your support to make this a true national holiday.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- Congress declares the city of Washington and the District of Columbia the permanent capital of the United States. (1790)
- The first x-ray photo of arterial circulation is taken in Rochester, NY. (1936)
- Actress and singer Ginger Rogers was born on this day in 1911.
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