Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Cherry
Evidence shows that cherries have been consumed by humans for at least
6,000 to 7,000 years and have been popular orchard and roadside fruit trees
since the days of the Roman Empire. Cherries were introduced to North
America during the mid-1600s and became popular garden crops, follow-
ing settlers westward. Commercial cultivation of cherries in North America
lagged behind many other fruits, largely beginning in the 1920s and 1930s.
Because of pest and disease problems, as well as chilling requirements, cher-
ries in North America are primarily grown north of the Mason-Dixon Line
(approximately 39 degrees north latitude).
