Turkey produces more cherries than any other country in the world, accounting for about 14% of total cherries produced. The U.S. runs a close second with a little more than 10% of total production. In 2007, Turkey produced 877,660 pounds (398,100 metric tons) of cherries, and the U.S. produced 684,976 pounds (310.7 metric tons). The two countries alternate as leading exporters.
More Cherry On Top Facts:
- In 2008, the world produced 4,136 pounds (1.876 metric tons) of cherries.
- Total cherry consumption in the U.S. in 2008 was about 1.9 pounds (about 30 ounces) per person.
- The Romans are credited with the first cherry harvest in the first century B.C.
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Discussion Comments
@RoyalSpyder - It's funny you should ask that, as I was wondering the same thing as well. For one thing, cherry pies can be bought pre-made in stores. Usually, they're made during the summertime, shipped to supermarkets, and put in a freezer for months on end. By the time the Holidays come around, there's more than enough for anyone.
However, as for cherries that are sold at restaurants (such as fresh baked cherry pie), I have also wondered that as well. Then again, one can always buy artificial cherries. Based on this, it doesn't always matter whether you buy them during the summer or winter time, especially if you're in a hurry and don't want the real thing.
Cherries are certainly one of my favorite fruits, and reading about their history is very intriguing. As much as I like cherries though, I have always found the quality to be rather inconsistent. While there are some store brands that are dark and juicy, others are soft and mushy. However, for the most part, they're a great fruit to buy, but only during the summer. At any other time during the year, they're unavailable, and even if you can find them, the quality would be less than perfect. One thing I wonder though, if cherries are best available during the summer, then how is it that so many people are able to have cherry pie during the winter time? I've always wondered that.
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