The tart cherry has a long history of offering an entire range of natural health benefits. In fact the tart cherry has traveled the world from Asia to Europe and finally brought to the new world by the early settlers in 1600’s. The cherry has pleased the palates of people for centuries. This ruby-red color has won it a place on the tables of Roman conquerors, Chinese nobleman and Greek citizens.

Once arriving in the New World, the cherry spread across the country. Ultimately, they ended up being grown commercially in several states including New York, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Michigan. One area of the country has earned the nickname “Cherry Capital of the World”. This section of Northwestern Lower Michigan produces approximately 60% of U.S. tart cherry production.

The pioneer who is widely credited to bring the tart cherry to Michigan is Mr. Dougherty. In 1852, Mr. Dougherty, a Presbyterian missionary planted the first tart cherry tree on Old Mission Peninsula. After his first trees were successful, many of his neighbors also started planting cherry crops and the first official commercial tart cherry orchards in Michigan were planted in 1893 on Ridgewood Farm on Old Mission Peninsula. In fact, this first commercial farm was very near the site of Dougherty’s original trees.

By the early 1900s, the cherry industry was fast spreading from Old Mission to a number of cities and towns along Lake Michigan including Traverse City area, Benton Harbor and Elk Rapids. The very first cherry processing facility was called Traverse City Canning Company and was built just south of Traverse City. Once harvested and processed, the cherry was soon shipped to major cities across America including Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee.

The tart cherry and dried tart cherry offers a number natural health benefits and is a source for a number of nutrients. The amazing stories of the natural health benefits have been passed down from generation to generation. They have been passed from mother to daughter and grandfather to grandson.

In addition, several of the world’s leading food research universities and organizations have studied the tart cherry. Many of these studies are being funded by USDA grants (United States Department of Agricultural), private funds and public grants.

The purpose of this special report is to introduce you to the health benefits and antioxidant properties of the tart cherry. Ongoing research from leading medical universities and research organizations suggests tart cherries may…

Similar to other foods, tart cherries are a natural source of antioxidants. However, thanks to the unique makeup and combination of the antioxidants found in tart cherries is what makes the tart cherry so special. According to research, tart cherries are a source of beta carotene, melatonin, fiber, potassium, anthocyanins and more.

Also, when comparing the tart cherry to other types of fruit, the cherry offers very good nutrient values. For example, according to the USDA National Database on Food Nutrition, frozen tart cherries are higher in beta carotene than frozenstrawberries and blueberries.

To learn more about tart cherries and cherry juice visit Traverse Bay Farms