Sour cherries, prized in the diet for centuries, impress not only with their unique flavor but also with their valuable nutrients . But where do these fruits come from, and how are they cultivated? In this article, we take a look at the fascinating history of sour cherries, their most important growing regions , and why the Montmorency variety, in particular, is considered particularly healthy.
The most important things in brief
Sour cherries originate from the Caspian Sea region and have been cultivated for over 2000 years
Today there are over 70 varieties of sour cherries that are rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements
The Montmorency is a particularly healthy sour cherry variety because it contains particularly high amounts of polyphenols and melatonin
Origin of sour cherries
Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) belong botanically to the rose family. They originate from the region around the Caspian Sea , as evidenced by fossil finds there. It is believed that sour cherries have been cultivated for over 2,000 years and spread from ancient Greece to other European regions and eventually worldwide. The best climate for sour cherries is therefore in regions with mild summers and moderately cold winters (1, 2).
Over time, various varieties emerged from the few original sour cherry species. These varieties were developed to optimize the sour cherry for agricultural use by adapting it to climatic conditions, extending the harvest time, and increasing the yield. Today, 74 varieties of sour cherry are known. The most important sour cherry growing regions include Russia, Hungary, Croatia, and Turkey . The most important sour cherry varieties in these countries are Balaton, Marasca, and Kütahya. Germany is also one of the important European growing regions, and it is possible to buy sour cherries locally or to pick the cherries yourself nearby. The largest growing region for Montmorency sour cherries is in Michigan in the USA. Their origins can be traced back to a French variety, "Chateau de Moreille," which is over 400 years old (2).
What are Montmorency sour cherries?
Montmorency tart cherries have been recognized as a particularly valuable cherry variety in numerous studies. Since the early 2000s, this variety has been increasingly studied for its constituents and effects on the human body (2).
In addition to traditional nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, they contain high amounts of polyphenols – secondary plant substances that have antioxidant effects in the human body. These substances protect cells and influence many important processes. One of the special properties of the Montmorency variety is its high melatonin content, which plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
The most important advantages at a glance:
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Rich in valuable nutrients:
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Provides vitamins and minerals such as potassium , calcium , iron and zinc (3).
- Contains a variety of polyphenols such as cyanidins, kaempferol and quercetin (4).
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Protection through polyphenols:
- Protect plants in nature from pests and UV radiation (5).
- Support antioxidant processes in the human body and promote cell health.
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Highly concentrated melatonin:
- Montmorency tart cherries contain exceptionally high levels of melatonin , which can improve sleep quality.
- This messenger substance is found in only a few fruits and vegetables.
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