Sweet cherry
Family Rosaceae
Prunus avium, the sweet cherry (P. avium 1), include many cultivated varieties from the wild species, which is a native of Europe and western Asia. It is a medium sized tree with simple serrated leaves and white or pinkish flowers (P. avium 2) borne in clusters on long pedicels (P. avium 3). The fruit is a globose drupe, 1-2 cm across, with a thin skin and juicy flesh, ranging in colour from red to dark red-black.
Distribution
The ancient Greeks and Romans already knew cherries. Today they are grown in Europe, the US, South America, South Africa and Australia.
Use
Sweet cherries are mainly eaten fresh, but large quantities are made into jam. They are also preserved in syrup and used in pastries.
The largest producers of sweet cherries are Italy, Germany, US, France and Spain.