Cherries are one of the most prized fruits because they are very delicious and also offer some health benefits.
While some don’t eat cherries all the time, they enjoy them as part of flavors for dessert or snacks.
Cherries have specific times they can thrive, and as such, it is very difficult to find them available all year round.
And when we do, they are costly. So many might ask; Why are cherries so expensive?
Reasons Why Cherries Are So Expensive
Here’re some of the reasons why cherries are expensive;
Short Season
One of the problems of cherries that increases their cost is that it has a short season.
Just like many other fruits, they have a season when they strive well and then fade out and wait for the next favorable season.
During those seasons that they thrive well, the prices of these fruits are not very expensive compared to the time they are either fading out or just starting production.
However, the period of availability for cherries is short-lived because they bloom for a short period and there is no duration.
Therefore the prices of cherries in stores are relatively the same. If you are waiting to get discount sales, you are unlikely to find them.
Climate
Cherries are very selective of where they grow and also very selective of the climate they grow.
They require great care, and for that, anyone that wants to grow them has to plant them close to their yard so that they will be able to manage them.
Since they are not favorable to all climates, those that have a good climate for it to bloom have to add that to their cost.
Due to the intense care that cherry requires, some farmers in some countries work with technologies to artificially create a comfortable environment for cherries to survive.
Transportation
Since cherries grow in specific climates and do not grow in all places, they are needed all over the world.
That means more money for transportation. Cherries are very perishable and can easily bruise or turn soggy.
And transporting cherries to different locations both far and near with no bruises, come at a great cost.
Preferably, cherries are good to be transported during the cold season.
Diseases
Organic cherries are the best and you have to spend extra money to get them.
Cherries are not the best or easiest crop to grow, they are prone to diseases and fungi. Therefore to get healthy cherries, you will need fungicide to help keep them healthy.
Getting fungicide that will be enough for a farm require lots of money and high-quality ones even cost more.
This will definitely increase the cost of cherries.
Types of Cherries
There are different types of cherries which are mostly classified according to taste and color. Below are some of the most popular ones;
Bing
Bing is a cultivar of the wild or sweet cherry (Prunus avium) that originated in the Pacific Northwest, in Milwaukie, Oregon, United States.
They are one of the most commonly packed with lots of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Rainier
Rainier cherries are known to have yellow or red skin. Rainiers have a lower acidity level, which results in them having higher sugar content.
They are more expensive because they have the tendency to bruise easily and also have a short season.
Chelan
Chelan is very similar to Bing cherries because they are also dark skin but are not as sweet as bing.
Their skin is firmer hence they do not bruise easily.
Montmorency
The Montmorency cherry is bright red in color and is one of the most popular cherries in the United States.
Due to their tart flavor, they’re typically sold frozen or canned and used for pies and juices.
FAQ
Do you still have more questions to ask about the cost of cherries? Read through some of these frequently asked questions with their answers below to get what you need.
What Is A Good Price For Cherries?
The first cherries, typically the Brook or Chelan cherries can range from $7 to $12 per pound, generally around $8.99 as the starting point.
Why Are Cherries So Good For You?
Cherries are low in calories and chock full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and other good-for-you ingredients.
You’ll get vitamins C, A, and K. Each long-stemmed fruit delivers potassium, magnesium, and calcium too.
They also bring antioxidants, like beta-carotene, and the essential nutrient choline.
Are Cherries Very Fattening?
Quite the opposite, actually! Cherries are fat-free and low in calories. They’re also rich in vitamins that can boost your metabolism and full of water that will flush toxins out of your body.
Conclusion
Finally, some might ask; Are Cherries Worth the Cost? I will say that fresh cherries on a hot summer or any other day are worth the cost.
That does not mean that you are advised to buy them every day. The amount you buy depends on the number of people eating it with you.
They can serve as a special treat and they are also very healthy for consumption. A few extra dollars in a year will not be much of a deal.
