National Cherry Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Cherry Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Cherry Day is observed on July 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Cherry Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you might want to know about National Cherry Day.

📅 What day is National Cherry Day 2024?

In 2024, National Cherry Day is on Sunday, July 16th. It is the 3rd Sunday in July; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all intriguing details and facts about July 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Cherry Day is celebrated on July 16th, and it is the perfect time for a summer gathering. Cherries come in different flavors, from sweet to sour, and they come in various colors, such as red and yellow. They are versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, desserts, and beverages. Despite the myth about George Washington cutting down a cherry tree, the cherry industry in the United States produces over 650 million pounds of cherries each year, both tart and sweet.

📜 National Cherry Day History

Cherry production in the United States started in 1852 when cherry trees were planted by Peter Dougherty on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula. The Midwest was found to be an ideal location for growing cherries, and large-scale harvesting began soon after. The first commercial tart cherry orchards were established in Michigan in 1893, and the production quickly surpassed that of other crops. This led to the creation of the first cherry processing factory, Traverse City Canning Company, which supplied Midwest cities with the ruby-red fruit. Efforts were then made to expand cherry distribution across the country.

The maraschino cherry, made from sweet cherries, gained popularity in the United States. It was created by merchants in the Balkan Peninsula and northern Italy, who combined alcohol with a native cherry called Marasca. In the 1890s, this cherry product was introduced to the United States.

In 1896, American cherry processors began experimenting with an indigenous sweet cherry to create maraschino cherries. They used less liqueur and added almond oil during processing, eventually eliminating the liqueur entirely. By 1920, the American maraschino cherry had become so popular that it replaced the nonnative variety in the United States.

✅ National Cherry Day Facts

🔖 There are two main types
Cherries have the ability to possess either a sweet or sour taste.

🔖 Michigan is the cherry capital
Michigan is responsible for producing almost all of the cherries that are eaten in the United States, accounting for approximately 94% of the total.

🔖 The average cherry tree has 7,000 cherries
Cherry trees are incredibly productive, often yielding an impressive 28 pies annually.

👍 Why Is National Cherry Day Important

Cherries may be used in a variety of dishes. You can create jam, barbecue sauce, pastries, pies, cola, ice cream, and a variety of other things. They can be grilled, dried, or juiced. They are always tasty, no matter what.

Isn’t it true that no one likes taking vitamins? Sneaky cherries, on the other hand, are high in vitamins A, B, C, and E. These vitamins work together to improve blood circulation, hair development, stress management, and cancer risk, to name a few benefits.

Cherries have been around for millennia. In 300 B.C., Greek scholar Theophrastus published the first information on cherries in his book “History of Plants.”

🙂 How To Observe National Cherry Day

⚡ Attend a cherry-pit spitting contest

⚡ Visit a U-Pick farm
You can find Cherry U-Pick farms in various locations such as Oregon, California, and Michigan, among others. These farms offer the opportunity to spend a day outdoors and pick fresh cherries straight from the trees.

⚡ Make black cherry iced tea
Do you believe you have abilities? Every year, the International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship is held in Eau Claire, Michigan, which is known as the Cherry Pit-Spitting Capital of the World. Cherry stone spitting has a world record of 93 feet, 6.5 inches. Try to outdo that!

📅 When is National Cherry Day?

You can view all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Fruit holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Cherry Day. So be sure to check back soon.