We’re already deep into May, which means cherries are in season. Last time I dedicated the newsletter to cherries, I focused on the fruit's significance in Japanese culture, the cherry-blossom-festivities and customs.
This time, let's start our "cherry picking" journey in a completely different place—the sleepy town of Traverse City, Michigan.
Well, besides its residents, Traverse City is known as the "Cherry Capital of the World". Traverse City is located in a rich agricultural area that produces an abundance of excellent cherries annually. It is home of the "National Cherry Festival," held at the beginning of summer for over 100 years.
The festival features more than 120 events, most of which are related to eating cherries in various forms—cherry pie, cherry juice, cherry liqueur, cherry roasts, and anything else you can think of. There are also humorous competitions and even a beauty pageant that crowns a Cherry Queen.
This event might sound unusual, but it’s a successful festival that attracts large crowds. As early as the 1930s, it was officially designated a "national festival" by Michigan state law.
Humans have had a healthy obsession with cherries for centuries. The deciduous tree, originally from Western and Southeast Asia, has spread as a prized crop to cooler, high-altitude regions worldwide. It also crossed the Atlantic and became a major crop in the United States. There are many varieties of cherries, ranging in color from light yellow to deep burgundy and in taste from tart to very sweet.
Beyond their appealing appearance and rich flavor, cherries are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re considered a fruit that boosts serotonin production, improving mood and bringing happiness.
Will we see a similar cherry festival in Israel? Probably not. The reason is straightforward: although Israel has a few regions that produce wonderful cherries, the crop is intended for export and therefore cannot fully meet local demand.
The unfortunate result is that cherry prices in Israel are very high, reaching dozens of shekels per kilogram. In such a situation, there aren’t enough surplus cherries to host a festival (and 85% of the events at Traverse City's festival are free).
So, if you find yourself in Michigan at the beginning of summer, I highly recommend visiting Traverse City. There’s something wonderful about a place where cherries are celebrated without restraint.
We, unfortunately, do have to be mindful of our cherries. Still, when you see a basket of sweet red cherries, organically grown, that arrived in the store this week, a smile is guaranteed.
