Cherry annam gourmet

Cherries are among the most popular fruits globally, known for their crisp texture, enticing aroma, and diverse varieties. While red cherries are quite famous, information about American yellow cherries is still limited. So, what are the standout features of yellow cherries, and how do they differ from red cherries? In the article below, let's explore these fruits with Annam Gourmet and understand the differences between yellow and red cherries, so you can choose the best cherries.

1. What are US Cherries?

1.1 Notable Features of US Cherries

Cherries, also known as sour cherries, belong to a subgenus that includes several species with stone fruits containing a hard seed, belonging to the Rosaceae family, Prunus genus. These are perennial woody plants that can grow from 5.5 to 10 meters tall. The primary component of American cherries is water, accounting for 80-90% of the fruit's weight, along with a rich glucid content, high vitamin C, numerous antioxidants, and high fiber content.

Dubbed the "diamonds" of fruits due to their rarity, costliness, and quality, US cherries are quite challenging to purchase on the market as they are considered one of the most difficult fruit trees to grow and thrive, only surviving in temperate climates. American cherries are large, juicy fruits, typically grown in warm, dry climates, primarily in the United States, with an annual yield of over 156,000 tons, 85% of which comes from Washington, Oregon, and California.

Cherries have long stems and are round or slightly heart-shaped, with an average diameter of 2 to 2.5 cm. Cherries come in a variety of colors, from bright red, dark red, to deep black. The fruit has a sweet taste, shiny skin, a pleasant aroma, and is crisp and juicy.

US cherries1.2 Classification of American Cherry Varieties

American cherries are classified into many different varieties, each with distinct characteristics and flavors. Below are some common distinctions:

By firmness:
American cherries come in two types: Bing (firm, crisp) and Lapin (soft, juicy).

By color:

  • Red cherry: Red cherries are usually bright red or dark red. They are large, with thick and juicy flesh. Popular varieties: Bing, Lapins, Sweetheart.
  • Black cherry: These cherries are dark red, almost black, with a large size. Popular varieties: Black Tartarian, Chelan, Skeena.
  • Yellow cherry: Yellow cherries are bright yellow or pale yellow, with a sweet and mild taste, usually less tart than other cherry varieties. Popular varieties: Rainier, Royal Ann.

By flavor:
The two main types of American cherries include: sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus). Sweet cherries are mainly used for fresh fruit markets, while sour cherries are typically used for dried cherries, cooking, and making preserves.

By variety name:
Some examples include: Bing cherry, Chelan cherry, Lapin cherry, Skeena cherry, Rainier cherry...

 

1.3 Nutritional Value of American Cherries

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, American cherries are packed with nutrients beneficial to health. Each 100g of cherries provides the following nutrients:

  • Energy: 97 calories
  • Protein: 2 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 25 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Vitamin C: 18% DV
  • Potassium: 10% DV
  • Copper: 5% DV
  • Manganese: 5% DV
  • Fat: 0.1g
  • Iron: 0.42 milligrams (2% DV)
  • Magnesium: 13 milligrams (3% to 4% DV)
  • Calcium: 15 milligrams (1% DV)
  • Vitamin A: 16.6µg
  • Sodium: 1mg
  • Sugar: 20 grams

Additionally, cherries are a rich source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Notably, they contain high levels of polyphenols, a large group of plant compounds that protect cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall health. Cherries also contain carotenoid pigments like beta-carotene and vitamin C, both of which have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

2. Comparison Between Yellow and Red Cherries

Yellow and red cherries are both popular and widely loved fruits, but they have distinct differences in color, flavor, nutritional value, and intended use. Below is a detailed comparison between these two types of cherries by Annam Gourmet:

 

Red Cherry 

 Yellow Cherry
Characteristics
  • The most common type of American cherry is Bing, a variety discovered in 1875 by Seth Lewelling and the head gardener Ah Bing, after whom Lewelling named the variety to honor Bing's contributions to the garden.
  • The annual yield of this variety is extremely large and consistent, as the Bing harvest season usually takes longer than other cherry varieties.
  • Notable for its large fruit size, deep red color, firm flesh, and juicy sweetness with a distinctive tart finish, Bing cherries are favored in many international markets.
  • Yellow American cherry, also known as Rainier cherry, was researched by American Harold Fogel along with other agriculturalists, resulting from a cross between Bing and Van cherries in 1952. The product of this hybridization is a golden-yellow cherry with a red blush, juicy and sweet, with a more complex flavor but only 1/3 as sweet as the red cherry.
Meaning
  • Health, luck, and love
  • Optimism, cheerfulness, warmth, wealth, abundance, and peace.
Sweetness Level
  • 11 - 28 Brix, sweet with a characteristic tart finish.
  • 17 - 28 Brix, sweeter compared to other cherry varieties.
  • Brix is a measure of soluble solid content (like syrup) and products containing fruit juice. Brix allows consumers to gauge the sugar concentration in a product and determine the sweetness level
Growing Conditions
  • Bing cherry trees usually produce high yields, and their firm skin and resilient flesh prevent bruising or damage, contributing to higher yields during harvest and reduced risk during transportation.
  • The harvest season is longer compared to other varieties like Rainier.
  • Yellow cherries are often viewed as a premium variety, but their harvest seasons usually produce low yields. The bright color makes yellow cherries easily susceptible to damage or bruising.
  • The sweetness does not attract birds as much, but it often loses 1/4 to 1/3 of its fruit during the harvest season.
Cultivation Requirements
  • Loves sunlight and thrives best under fully sunny conditions.
  • Easy to grow compared to other cherry varieties, with vigorous growth, requiring only loamy soil with good drainage to maintain moderate moisture levels.
  • Requires consistent sunlight with fluctuating temperatures and winds, as well as seasonal changes.
  • Often grown in gardens with other premium cherry varieties to enhance pollination, which in turn improves the fruit yield of this variety.
Harvest Season 
  • From May to August. The harvest season is consistent with large yields.
  • Usually only harvested at the end of June through July. Yields are low, and it is particularly challenging to cultivate this variety.
Color
  • Bright, shiny, and glossy red or deep red skin.
  • Typically has a fresh yellow color that gradually turns red in spots as it ripens.
Size 
  • Size ranges from 1.7 - 2 cm
  • Typically larger than red cherries, with sizes ranging from 2 - 3 cm.
Price
  • Usually sold widely at around 450,000 - 500,000 VND/kg.
  • Note: Prices vary according to market conditions.
  • Rarely available and priced around 400,000 - 700,000 VND/kg.
    Note: Prices vary according to market conditions

red cherries and yellow cherries annam gourmet

fruit brix

3. Which is Healthier: Red Cherry or Yellow Cherry?

Whether it's red or yellow American cherries, both are equally beneficial for health. Let's take a look at some of the outstanding health benefits that cherries offer:

  • Good for the Brain: Yellow cherries are considered a brain-friendly fruit as they contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant. This is why you shouldn't overlook this wonderful fruit.
  • Improves Digestion: Yellow cherries are rich in fiber, which helps improve the digestive system, prevent constipation, and promote the digestion of food. The fiber content in fruits, especially yellow cherries, accounts for about ¼ of your daily fiber needs.
  • Boosts the Immune System: With a high vitamin C content, cherries help strengthen the immune system, protect the body from infections, and enhance resistance.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Cherries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and slow down the aging process.
  • Supports Digestion: The high fiber content in cherries helps improve digestion, prevent constipation, and maintain gut health.

 

4. How to Preserve Cherries

After purchasing cherries and cleaning them, it’s important to store them properly to prevent spoilage. Here are some tips to help you extend the freshness of your cherries:

4.1 Store Cherries in a Dry Place 

After buying, if you don't plan to use the cherries immediately, do not wash them as they easily absorb water, which can lead to bacterial growth at the stem and spoilage. You can gently wipe the cherries dry with a soft, clean cloth before storing them in the refrigerator's cool compartment. Additionally, cherries will spoil if left outside for more than 24 hours, so they should be kept dry.

4.2 Use Appropriate Temperature for Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store cherries in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0°C to 5°C, with humidity levels between 90-95%. At this temperature, cherries can maintain their freshness for about 10 days.
  • Freezing: If you want to keep cherries longer, you can wash them, pit them, place them on a tray, transfer them into an airtight bag or container, and store them in the freezer. This method is suitable for making smoothies, juices, etc. When frozen, cherries can be kept for up to 6 months.

store cherries

4.3 Avoid Cherries Absorbing Odors from Other Foods

To ensure cherries maintain their fresh taste and don’t absorb odors from other foods in the fridge, store them in airtight containers such as plastic or glass boxes, or use a plastic bag or aluminum foil wrap. This will help keep cherries fresh longer and prevent them from absorbing strong smells from foods like onions, garlic, cheese, and spiced cooked dishes.

4.4 Choose Fresh, High-Quality Cherries

  • When ripe, American cherries should feel firm and not mushy. Gently squeeze the fruit between two fingers to feel its firmness.
  • Check the skin for bruising or cracks. If the fruit feels ideally firm, it is ripe enough to buy.
  • Choose cherries that are plump and shiny red.
  • Pay attention to the stem, ensuring it is intact and not bruised.

 

5. Buy Genuine American Cherries at Annam Gourmet

Annam Gourmet is a pioneer brand in developing a chain of stores offering high-quality imported goods in Vietnam. To purchase fresh, genuine, high-quality cherries from Annam Gourmet, you can buy directly at shop.annam-gourmet.com or visit Annam Gourmet stores nationwide.

We hope this article has helped you better understand the differences between yellow and red cherries. If you need to buy genuine, high-quality cherries at a reasonable price, visit Annam Gourmet for more advice on the best fresh US red cherries and yellow cherries, as well as other famous high-end imported fruits. Enjoy your cherries and stay healthy!

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