Fun Facts
Use fun facts to build student interest and help them choose healthy, Washington-grown foods!
Great info on cherries can be found on the Washington State Fruit Commission website!
- Sweet cherries are found to reduce inflammation.
- Human feeding trials point to the fact that cherries really do strengthen the immune system and help fight diseases like gout and arthritis.
- National Rainier Cherry Day is July 11th
- Cherries are one of the top antioxidant-rich foods (with capacity to hold nearly 5,000 in a one cup serving)
- Cherries are one of the few natural sources for melatonin, which can help regulate sleep cycles.
- The deep red color of dark-sweet cherries means the fruit contains anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant) that plays a role in improving cognitive function and protects the heart and its surrounding tissues.
Sources: Washington State Fruit Commission and Stemilt Fruit