Did you know?

The Roman General Lucullus is said to have introduced cherries into Europe in 72BC, naming the cherry tree ‘Cerasus’ after a town of that name, now in Turkey.
Broadway in New York shifts west at East 10th Street because a cherry tree once stood there.
In 1912, Japan gifted cherry trees to America. Planted in Washington, their blooming has given rise to the world-renowned Washington Cherry Blossom Festival.
The cherries from an average tree yield enough fruit to make 28 cherry pies.
The world record for spitting a cherry pip – yes there truly is one – is 93ft 6.5 inches set by a Michigan resident in 2003.
Cherries don’t ripen after harvesting.

Cherries keep for up to 10 days if placed uncovered in the coldest part of your fridge.
Preserve your cherries by rinsing them under cold water only when you’re ready to eat them.
To make them last longer, avoid placing your cherries near windows, sunlit areas or warm spots in the home.

Rinse fresh cherries under cold water and drain thoroughly.
Spread cherries, complete with stems, in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze cherries until firm, then pack frozen cherries into a plastic freezer bag or container. Remove excess air, seal and freeze, labelling each bag with the date you put them in the freezer.
Remove your frozen cherries as needed, but be sure to return unused cherries to the freezer immediately.