Prunus avium/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 differ according to the country such as French: Merisier, Amèrise; Italian: Ciregiolo, Ciliegia Dolce; Spanish: Picota, Cerasus Dulce; Russian: Vishnia Ptich’ia, Chereshnia, etc.

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 an adequate supply of water. The tree could not tolerate waterlogged, heavy clays, and poorly drained sites.

History

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

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 a 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 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 in 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, maintain the cholesterol level and blood pressure.

1. Eliminates free radicals

Cherries are rich in antioxidants named flavonoids and Vitamin C which help to eliminate free radicals and prevent age-related ailments such as weakening of the heart and nervous system, vision loss, loss of hair, macular degeneration, wrinkles, libido loss, colon, and prostate cancer. This also helps with 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 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 powerful anti-carcinogenic compounds which forbid cancer cell growth and prevent new cancer growth by eliminating the free radicals which are the main cause of cancer.

4. Eye Health

It repairs the damage caused by the free radicals and soothes inflammation, eyes and maintains 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 age-related disorders and also protects the nervous system. It treats 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 constipation and also supports digestion. The flavonoids trigger the bile and digestive juices whereas the Vitamins enhance nutrient absorption.

7. Prevents heart disease

Vitamins, antioxidants, and phosphorus are the cardio-protectors that prevent the heart from damage caused by the oxidants. It also assists to maintain the heart rate, prevents hardening of blood vessels, reduces 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 iron absorption from an intestinal tract and assists the iron to release into the liver. Iron helps in the production of red blood cells. The deficiency of copper leads to iron deficiency which is the cause of Anemia and might experience the symptoms such as muscle aches, fatigue, digestive problems, and defective brain function.

9. Prevents cramps

Foods rich in potassium reduce muscle cramps and improve the strength of muscles. The deficiency in potassium results to 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 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, peonidin, epicatechin, and others

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