The unassuming tart cherry has a very long history of offering an entire range of natural health advantages to anyone interested in enjoying a more active and healthy lifestyle. In fact the tart cherry has been around since the beginning of time and has traveled across the world. Over the centuries it has made its way from Asia to Europe and finally brought to the New World by the first settlers in 1600’s. Upon its arrival in the New World, the cherry spread throughout the country. Over the centuries, it made its way from the east coast to the west coast. It ultimately planted roots among many of the states of the 45th parallel. The reason is the favorable weather patterns in these specific areas. Main cherry growing states include New york, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Oregon has a small amount of cherries in production, but the bulk of U.S. cherries come from Michigan.
Although they prefer mild, dry climates, tart cherries grow well throughout much of the United States. They need about 1,000 chill hours below 45°F in winter. This limits their range to the Carolinas and northward through Zone 4. Although all cherries need well-drained soils, tart cherries tolerate moderately heavy soils better than sweet cherries.
Tart cherries have a reasonably short harvest season, from mid-June to mid-July.
