National Cherry Month is the time of year were anyone and everyone can enjoy everything cherries have to offer.
No matter if you are looking to enjoy the great taste of cherries in recipes or the natural health benefits for soothing joint pain, National Cherry Month is a great time to rediscover this ruby-red fruit.
Why is February National Cherry Month?
The month of February is packed full of history dating date to our Founding Fathers, while at the same time offering annual rebirth and celebration.
February is the month that has George Washington’s birthday, President’s day and the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC. Both Washington’s birthday and President’s day celebrate our rich heritage as a nation.
George Washington’s birthday, the “Chopper of the Cherry Tree”, is February 22nd. This day was made into a national holiday back on 1885 by then President Chester Arthur.
Here at the four reasons February is National Cherry Month
Washington’s Birthday
When George Washington’s father asked young George who chopped down the cherry tree on the family farm, the future President’s reply was, ““I cannot tell a lie, I chopped down the cherry tree.” that honest answer forever tied George to cherries. This is a story is known by almost every elementary school kid.
Lincoln’s Birthday
Our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12. On this day, there are a few state celebrations as well as a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial. However, the creation of a national holiday was attempted a few times since his death none succeeded.
President’s Day
President’s Day is the result of the 1971 congress passing the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill. This official act by congress moved several federally recognized holidays to be on Mondays.
Since both Washington’s birthday, February 22nd and Lincoln’s birthday, February 12th are in close proximity this national holiday recognized both.
In addition to the celebration of these great president’s this national holiday is also to a remembrance and celebration of all U.S. presidents past and present.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The beginnings of the National Cherry Blossom Festival dates back 1912. It was during this year Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington, DC. This gift was to celebrate the friendship between the people of Japan and the United States.
The reason Mayor Ozaki gifted the cherry trees is because the cherry blossom, also known as sakura, has a very special meaning in Japan. The Japanese cherry blossom represent the human existence.
The blossoms are beautiful, delicate but also short lived. They are a vivid reminder of life. Life it beautiful, delicate and also shorted lived.
It is also during the cherry blossom season families and friends in Japan unite and reunite to enjoy cherry-blossom blooming, as known as hanami.
National Cherry Month Video
Some fun facts about Cherry Trees, Cherry Blossoms and More…
Fun Facts About Cherry Trees…
- Cherry blossoms are only in bloom for a maximum of 2-weeks.
- The average cherry tree grows 7,000 cherries per season.
- The peak cherry blossom bloom only last a few short days.
- It takes 5 years for a cherry tree to produce cherries after planting.
Check out this Infographic:
Fun Facts About Cherry Blossoms and Cherry Pits…
- It takes 30 – 40 bee to pollinate a single cherry tree.
- Bee hives are placed throughout the cherry farms.
- After you are done eating fresh cherries, you can use the pit to produce heat
- Cherry pits are used in pellet stoves to produce heat.
Check out this Infographic:
Fun Facts About Where Cherries are Grown…
- The Traverse Bay Farms region of Michigan grows over 70% of all cherries in the United States.
- Cherry trees grow best in sandy soil. This type of soil allows the water to drain off.
- This region of Michigan is also known as the “Cherry Capital of the World”.
- The Traverse Bay Farms region is located on the 45th Parallel North. It is located halfway between the equator and the North Pole.
Fun Facts About Cherry Products…
- Tart cherries are Nature’s #1 source of naturally occurring Melatonin. That is why many people drink cherry juice for a good night’s rest.
- Tart cherries contain natural anti-inflammatory properties called anthocyanins. This compounds helps to soothe sore joints and muscles.
- It takes the juice of approximately 100 cherries to make juice one-ounce of tart cherry juice concentrate.
Check out this National Cherry Month Infographic:
Learn how cherries help maintain health joints
