Cherries and sweet cherries are fairly common types of berries. They have excellent taste and contain many vitamins. They are often used for preparing preparations and consumed fresh. At the same time, not everyone knows what exactly distinguishes cherries from sweet cherries. The difference between these plants lies in the appearance of the trees and the taste of the fruits.
What do cherries and sweet cherries have in common?
Both crops belong to the Plum family. In Latin they have the same name - Cerasus. This indicates their common origin.These are stone fruits whose fruits are similar in appearance. They also coincide in the content of valuable components and effects on the human body.
Main differences
The plants under consideration are characterized by a number of features and differences. They relate to the appearance and taste of the fruit.
How do they differ in appearance?
When answering the question of what is the difference between the cultures under consideration, it is worth considering their appearance. The crown of the cherry tree has a more rounded shape. Cherry is a large crop that reaches a height of 30 meters. An adult plant has a cone shape. The leaves have a characteristic silvery tint. At the same time, cherry foliage has a dark green color.
An important difference is the location of the berries and leaves on the trees. On cherries, the foliage grows straight, and the berries grow in pairs. Cherry trees have drooping leaves. In this case, the berries grow as a whole cluster.
Trees also differ in the appearance of their bark. Cherry has brown bark with a grayish color. Cherries are characterized by reddish-brown bark that has a silvery tint.
Cherry fruits can have different shades - from light yellow to black. Cherries are always dark red or burgundy in color. They are characterized by a tart odor with sour notes. The aroma of cherry berries is sweeter.
Difference in Benefit
Cherries and sweet cherries benefit the body. Both types of berries include many vitamins B, C, A, E, PP.They also contain folic acid, iron and phosphorus. However, the main advantage of such fruits is their content of coumarins. They are biologically active substances that are required to maintain body tone.
At the same time, it is quite difficult to distinguish the differences between the fruits and determine which berries are more useful. Due to approximately the same composition, the fruits help achieve the following effects:
- strengthen the immune system;
- reduce cholesterol levels in the blood;
- increase hemoglobin levels;
- reduce blood pressure;
- strengthen the heart and blood vessels;
- improve the functioning of the genitourinary organs;
- restore metabolism;
- improve the functions of the nervous system.
The pulp and juice of the fruit can be consumed for anemia, gout, and colds. It is also useful to eat these products for excess weight, dermatological pathologies, prostatitis, pancreatitis.
It is worth noting that cherries benefit not only the berries, but also the leaves. They contain phytoncides. They are biologically active substances that inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria.
During maturation
The ripening of cherries occurs first. Early varieties ripen in mid-May. Later varieties produce crops in June and July. Cherries ripen much later. This usually happens in July.
In the taste and purpose of fruits
When answering the question of how you can distinguish plants, it is worth noting the taste of the fruits. Cherry has a sour taste with light sweet notes. Cherries usually have a sweet taste with virtually no sourness.
The taste of fruits affects the specifics of their use. Cherries should be used to make compotes and jam.Cherry berries are recommended to be consumed fresh or frozen for the winter. However, such fruits are usually not used for preparations, since they are too sweet.
In the area
Cherry is considered a cold-resistant crop. She feels great in temperate climates. When grown in the middle zone, plants do not require insulation. Cherries grow well only in the south. She needs enough warmth and sun. In the middle zone, the crop often freezes slightly.
Name of the cherry-cherry hybrid
The hybrid of cherries and sweet cherries is called Duke. Its name comes from the English hybrid May-Duc, which was obtained in the seventeenth century. The culture did not take root in England. Today it is often used in Russia.
Duke is resistant to coccomycosis and moniliosis. The tree bears sweet fruits that have a slight sourness. The plant has average winter hardiness. It can be grown in regions with unstable climates. Another advantage of the plant is its high yield. It produces 1.5 times more berries than the main crops.
Cherries and sweet cherries are very common crops that are grown by many gardeners. These plants bear tasty and healthy fruits. They have many similar characteristics, but they also have many differences. The difference between crops concerns the appearance of trees and fruits. The taste qualities of the berries and the features of their use also differ.