King Cherries
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
King cherries are a large varietal, averaging 3 to 3.5 centimeters in diameter, and have a plump, cordate shape with curved shoulders tapering to a flat, rounded base. The cherries are connected to slender, pliable, light green stems and have smooth, taut, and glossy skin. The dark red, crimson skin is semi-thin, delicate, and easily punctured, having a slight give when gently pressed. Underneath the surface, the thick red flesh is dense, aqueous, and tender with a succulent consistency. The cherries also encase a central brown stone with a tapered, oval shape with pointed ends. King cherries are light in fragrance and have a mild, sweet, and subtly tart flavor with tangy, delicate, sugary nuances.
Seasons/Availability
King cherries are available in the summer, typically ripening in June or July.
Current Facts
King cherries, botanically classified as Prunus avium, are a specialty line of cherries belonging to the Rosaceae family. The seasonal fruits are cultivated throughout southern England and are favored for their large size and sweet-tart flavor. King cherries are left on the tree to develop a concentration of natural sugars, and only the largest, sweetest, and most pigmented fruits are hand-picked and sold commercially. The cherries are also typically graded within two hours of picking and are available in markets 24 to 48 hours after harvest. King cherries have juicy, tender flesh and are primarily consumed fresh or incorporated into an array of beverages and sweet or savory culinary dishes.
Nutritional Value
King cherries are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body. The cherries also provide anthocyanins, natural compounds that give the fruits their red coloring. Anthocyanins have antioxidant-like properties to reduce inflammation and protect the cells against damage caused by free radicals. Among other nutrients, King cherries contain some copper, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium.
Applications
King cherries have a sweet taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. It is important to note that the juice will stain fabric, and a central stone must be removed before consumption. The cherries can be pitted by pushing a straw or chopstick through the center of the flesh to pop out the stone. Once the stone is removed, the fruits are valued for their juicy, fleshy nature and are popularly consumed straight out of hand, or they are sliced and used as a fresh topping over salads, pancakes, grain bowls, and parfaits. King cherries are also naturally sweet, often served with crème fraiche to create a balanced flavor. The cherries can be sliced and layered on toast, blended into smoothies, pureed and added to cocktails, or stirred into cordials. King cherries can also be incorporated into desserts such as pavlova, cakes, tarts, pies, scones, and crisps. Try layering King cherries into eton mess, a summertime dessert comprised of whipped cream, fruit compote, and meringue. The fruits can also be simmered into syrups, jams, jellies, and preserves or cooked into sauces for roasted meat main dishes. Beyond sauces, sliced cherries can be cooked with rice as a savory-sweet component. King cherries pair well with other stone fruits, including peaches, nectarines, and apricots, dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, cheeses including goat, brie, blue, and ricotta, and nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans. Whole, unwashed King cherries will keep for a few days when stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. The fruits are perishable and should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Kent is known as the "Garden of England" and has retained this title for hundreds of years. The picturesque countryside features fertile farmland filled with orchards and gardens, and some of the most famous fruits grown in the region are strawberries, cherries, apples, and pears. In Sittingbourne, a town in Kent, cherry growers claim the area provides a unique microclimate to produce quality cherries. Sittingbourne has historically been known for its cherry production, and the fruit tree is even featured on the city's coat of arms. At the top of the coat of arms, a large cherry tree sits in the middle of the emblem, symbolizing cherries as the region's heart. At the bottom, it is labeled with the saying "Known by our fruits," ultimately meaning "fruits of our labors," one of which is cherries. Sittingbourne cherries were historically shipped up the river into London, becoming the preferred stone fruits of royalty for generations.
Geography/History
King cherries are cultivated through select farms in England. Much of the variety’s history is unknown, but cherry production in England is primarily localized to southern regions, especially in Kent. Historically, cherries are descendants of wild species native to Asia Minor and the Caucasus Mountains, extending between the Caspian and Black Sea. Over time, the fruits were spread across trade routes. Traveling soldiers and merchants often spit the fruit’s pits along the sides of roads and at their camps, contributing to the fruit’s expansion. Various cherry species were also selectively bred by growers throughout Europe to create improved cultivars for commercial production. Today, King cherries are locally grown in England and are seasonally sold through retailers nationwide. The King cherries featured in the photograph above were sourced in Kent, England.
