Washington state’s cherry growers are touting the fruit’s health benefits, including the ability to reduce the risk of arthritis, diabetes and cancer. (Next week, we’ll have a shipping out look for the state’s cherries.)
“Consuming about 45 cherries daily may significantly decrease circulating concentrations of specific inflammatory biomarkers in the blood. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Nutrition,” According to the Yakima-based trade group Northwest Cherries.
The group cites the fruit’s high levels of fiber, potassium and melatonin, in a new campaign.
The 2014 season for Washington state cherries hasn’t started yet. In 2012, cherries ranked only behind apples as the most valuable fruit crop in Washington state.
Cherry shipments from Washington state typically peak during June and July and continue into August.
Sweet cherries are a good source of potassium, which has been shown to lower blood pressure. Studies also demonstrate that a diet includes cherries can help prevent cancer and reduce inflammation.
The best tasting and most popular variety of cherries is the bing variety, which usually comes shortly after the earlier variety rainier.
However, there are a number of other varieties, which help to extend the cherry season. Chelan and tieton cherries are early seaon offerings, while lapins, skeena and sweetheart cherries can extend the season after the bing harvest.
California cherry shipments are just getting underway and Washington state cherries follow on the heels of the California season.