Wild cherry is the edible fruit of the plant species in the genus Prunus L. of the Rosaceae family. Wild cherry is also called Bird Cherry, Bing cherry, Gean, Crab Cherry, Mazzard, Wild Cherry and Sweet Cherry. Wild cherry has different vernacular names which differs according to the country such as French: Merisier, Amèrise; Italian: Ciregiolo, Ciliegia Dolce; Spanish: Picota, Cerasus Dulce; Russian: Vishnia Ptich’ia, Chereshnia etc.

History

The cherry is native to Mediterranean region such as eastern Europe/western Turkey. By 800 BC., it was cultivated in Turkey then it was grown on all continents but Antartica.

Plant

Wild cherry is a large, deciduous and perennial tree, generally standing 15–32 m (49–105 ft.) in height. The leaves are alternately arranged, elliptic-ovate to obovate-elliptic in shape with length: 7–14 cm (2.8–5.5 inch) and breadth: 4–7 cm (1.6–2.8 in).  The buds are glabrous in ovoid-ellipsoid shape. The 1.5 to 3 cm across flowers is white or pink, hermaphrodite, bisexual and fragrant. The plant yields the flower during early spring. The roots are fibrous and have reddish-brown, smooth bark. The branchlets are green and greyish brown. The plant has the lifespan of 60 years. It grows very well under colder climates and thrives in well-drained soils.

Fruit

The fruit is drupe having 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 inch) as a diameter and red to dark-red in color which matures from early to mid-summer. The flesh is generally dark red. Wild cherries have bitter taste and taste ranges to sweet. The seeds have 6–8 mm length which is enclosed in a hard stony shell.

Health benefits of Wild cherry

Wild cherries are high in Vitamin C and A, folate and other nutrients which prevent the chances of stroke, heart disease, cancer, vision loss, maintains the cholesterol level and blood pressure.

1. Eliminates free radicals

Cherries are rich in antioxidants named flavonoids and Vitamin C which helps to eliminate free radicals and prevent the age related ailments such as weakening of heart and nervous system, vision loss, loss of hair, macular degeneration, wrinkles, libido loss, colon and prostate cancer. This also helps nervous disorders, sleeplessness and mental discomforts. The presence of Flavonoids and Carotenoids repairs the damage made by free radicals and neutralizes the body systems.

2. Improves immunity

Antioxidants also enhance the immunity power which prevents from the viral, bacterial and fungal infections in the intestines, urinary tract, colon and excretory system. It also effectively eliminates colds, coughs, flu and other fevers.

3. Prevents cancer

Vitamin A, C, carotenoids and flavonoids are considered as the powerful anti-carcinogenic compounds which forbids the cancer cell growth and prevents the new cancer growth by eliminating the free radicals which is the main cause for cancer.

4. Eye Health

It repair the damage caused by the free radicals and soothes inflammation, eyes and maintains the ocular pressure. It also prevents the eyes from infections.

5. Mental health

Carotenoids and Flavonoids are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and improving memory. The antioxidant prevents the age related disorders and also protects the nervous system. It treats the nervous disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, disappointment, depression and chronic stress.

6. Assist digestion

Fiber which is found in Wild cherries relieves the constipation and also supports digestion. The flavonoids trigger the bile and digestive juices whereas the Vitamins enhance the nutrient absorption.

7. Prevents heart disease

Vitamins, antioxidants and phosphorus are the cardio-protectors which prevents the heart from damage caused by the oxidants. It also assists to maintain the heart rate, prevents hardening of blood vessels, reduces the blood pressure and cholesterol and also reduces the chances of heart attacks. It also enhances the cardiac muscles.

8. Prevents anemia

The study shows that copper is essential for the iron absorption from an intestinal tract and assist the iron to release into the liver. Iron helps in the production of red blood cells. The deficiency of copper leads to the iron deficiency which is the cause for Anemia and might experience the symptoms such as muscle aches, fatigue, digestive problems and defective brain function.

9. Prevents cramps

The foods rich in potassium reduce the muscle cramps and improve the strength of muscles. The deficiency in potassium results to the muscle cramps.

10. Skin and hair health

Vitamin B5 can lower the signs of aging such as dark spots, wrinkles and discolorations. The studies show that Vitamin B5 prevents the changing of hair color due to aging. Vitamin B5 also reduces the body-wide inflammation.

Nutritional Value

The health benefits attributed to Wild cherries are due to the high presence of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and lipids found in them. These nutritional elements include vitamin C, vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B1 as well as minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, and phosphorus. It is packed with phytonutrients and flavonoids like quercetin, peonodin, epicatechin and others.

Wild cherry facts

Wild cherry is a shallow rooted which can be grown in various types of soil. But it prefers deep fertile soils with adequate supply of water. The tree could not tolerate waterlogged, heavy clays and poor drained sites.

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