It is National Cherry Month

I live in West Michigan; for those of you who do not live here, one of the things we are "known" for is the many amazing, incredible, and tasty varieties of fruit which grow here . . . apples, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cherries just to name a few! February is National Cherry Month, so interesting cherry facts I found on line sound like a great way to start this "Cherry Month" . . . 

First, for some interesting cherry facts . . . "February, among other things, is national cherry month. It was the Romans and the Greeks who first cultivated cherries, spreading them throughout Europe. Cherries grow on trees and cultivated varieties come from wild cherries, which grow in Turkey and have spread all over the world. While Washington State is well known for growing cherries, Michigan is the largest producer of cherries in the U.S. After Turkey, the U.S. is the second largest producer of cherries. Cherries were brought over with settlers in the 1600s. It became an industry in Michigan in the 1800s. Most of the cherries grown in the U.S. are of the tart variety, because they are less delicate and easier to cultivate than the sweet version. Cherries have recently been linked to healthy hearts and to weight loss. In a lab rat study, rats fed tart cherry powder along with their meals gained less weight than the group that wasn't fed the powder. It's also been linked to preventing diabetes, can help to lessen arthritis, it also helps with jet lag, sleep disorders, and lowers the percentage of belly fat. Cherries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber, and folate."

And, how about a few Cherry Fun Facts . . . did you know . . . 

• The world record for spitting a cherry pip is 93ft 6.5in, set by Rick Krause of Michigan in 2003.
• The Roman general Lucullus is said to have committed suicide in 56 BC when he realized he was running out of cherries.
• Cherries belong to the rose family.
• Canada holds the record for baking the biggest cherry pie in the world. A pie weighing 39,683 pounds was baked in Oliver, British Columbia which broke the record that was earlier held by Traverse City, MI.
• Once upon a time, serving ice cream on cherry pie in Kansas was prohibited.
• Depending on the conditions of the growth, about 7,000 cherries grow on an average tart cherry tree. A cherry pie is made out of about 250 cherries. Thus, 28 pies can be made with the cherries from one tree.

So, which cherry fun fact surprised you the most? I found the one about the Kansas law to be quit surprising! 

Enjoy Cherry Month and be sure to share these fun facts with the ones you love! Happy Cherry Month!