Cherrys

Lapins

• Description

The Lapin cherry is a popular variety of sweet cherry known for its large size, deep red color, and exceptional flavor. Developed in Canada, it is a hybrid of the Van and Stella cherries, combining the best qualities of both. Here’s a detailed description:

• Appearance: Lapin cherries are large and round, with a glossy, dark red to mahogany-colored skin. Their flesh is firm and matches the deep red hue of their skin.

• Flavor: These cherries are prized for their sweet, rich taste with a hint of tartness. The flavor is well-balanced, making them a favorite for fresh eating and desserts.

• Texture: The flesh is firm yet juicy, offering a satisfying bite. This firmness also makes them ideal for transport and storage.

• Ripening and Harvest: Lapin cherries are a late-season variety, typically ripening in late June to July, depending on the region. They are self-fertile, meaning they don’t require another cherry tree for pollination.

• Uses: They are versatile, excellent for snacking, baking, preserves, and even juicing. Their firmness holds up well in cooking, and their flavor enhances both sweet and savory dishes.

• Growing Conditions: Lapin cherry trees thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They are relatively hardy, tolerating a range of climates and resistant to cracking, a common issue with cherries.

• Nutrition

Lapin cherries are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients and health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional value per 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces), which is typical for sweet cherries like Lapin:

Nutritional Content

• Calories: ~63 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 16 g

• Sugars: ~13 g

• Dietary Fiber: ~2 g

• Protein: ~1 g

• Fat: 0.2 g

• Saturated Fat: 0 g

• Unsaturated Fat: Trace amounts

Vitamins

• Vitamin C: ~7 mg (12% of the Daily Value, DV)

• Vitamin A: ~3 µg (as beta-carotene)

• Vitamin K: ~2.1 µg (2% DV)

• B Vitamins: Small amounts of B6, thiamine, and folate.

Minerals

• Potassium: ~222 mg (6% DV)

• Calcium: ~13 mg (1% DV)

• Magnesium: ~11 mg (3% DV)

• Iron: ~0.4 mg (2% DV)

• Phosphorus: ~21 mg (2% DV)

Other Beneficial Compounds

• Antioxidants: High levels of anthocyanins, which give the cherries their deep red color and help fight oxidative stress.

• Melatonin: A natural compound that can support sleep regulation.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Due to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids.

Health Benefits

1. Heart Health: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.

2. Digestive Health: The dietary fiber promotes healthy digestion.

3. Immune Support: Vitamin C boosts the immune system.

4. Joint Health: Anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout.

5. Sleep Aid: Melatonin can assist with better sleep patterns.

Royal Crimson

• Description

The Royal Crimson cherry is a relatively new and versatile cherry variety, prized for its sweet flavor, vibrant color, and adaptability. It has gained popularity among home gardeners and commercial growers due to its excellent fruit quality and self-fertility. 

Here’s a detailed description:

Appearance

• Skin: Smooth and glossy with a bright red to deep crimson hue, giving it a striking and appetizing look.

• Flesh: Firm and juicy, with a color that closely matches the skin.

• Size: Medium to large, typically round and uniform in shape.

Flavor

• Taste: Sweet with a mild hint of tartness, offering a balanced and refreshing flavor profile.

• Aroma: Pleasantly fruity and inviting.

Harvest and Growth Characteristics

• Ripening Season: An early-season cherry, typically ripening in mid-spring, making it one of the first cherries available each year.

• Self-Fertility: Royal Crimson cherry trees are self-pollinating, meaning they do not require another cherry variety for cross-pollination.

• Tree Size: Compact and manageable, ideal for small gardens or container planting.

Uses

• Fresh Eating: Perfect for snacking due to its sweetness and juicy texture.

• Cooking: Great for baking, preserves, and sauces as it holds its flavor and texture well.

• Garnishing: Its vibrant red color makes it an excellent decorative addition to desserts, drinks, or salads.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: Thrives in a variety of climates, performing well in mild to moderately warm regions.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production.

• Hardiness: Tolerant of different growing conditions but benefits from protection against late frosts during flowering.

Additional Features

• Longevity: The fruit stays firm and fresh on the tree for an extended period, reducing the need for immediate harvest.

• Disease Resistance: Displays good resistance to common cherry tree diseases, such as bacterial canker and brown rot.

• Nutrition

The Royal Crimson cherry, like other sweet cherry varieties, is rich in nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits. Here’s an approximate breakdown of its nutritional value per 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces):

Nutritional Content

• Calories: ~63 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 16 g

• Sugars: ~13 g

• Dietary Fiber: ~2 g

• Protein: ~1 g

• Fat: 0.2 g

• Saturated Fat: 0 g

• Unsaturated Fat: Trace amounts

Vitamins

• Vitamin C: ~7 mg (12% of the Daily Value, DV)

• Vitamin A: ~3 µg (as beta-carotene)

• Vitamin K: ~2.1 µg (2% DV)

• B Vitamins: Small amounts of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate.

Minerals

• Potassium: ~222 mg (6% DV)

• Calcium: ~13 mg (1% DV)

• Magnesium: ~11 mg (3% DV)

• Iron: ~0.4 mg (2% DV)

• Phosphorus: ~21 mg (2% DV)

Other Beneficial Compounds

• Antioxidants: High in anthocyanins and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Melatonin: Naturally occurring, aiding in sleep regulation.

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Polyphenols contribute to reducing inflammation in the body.

Health Benefits

1. Heart Health: Potassium supports healthy blood pressure and heart function.

2. Immune System Boost: Vitamin C enhances immunity and promotes collagen production.

3. Improved Digestion: Dietary fiber aids in maintaining healthy digestion.

4. Sleep Support: Melatonin content can help regulate sleep cycles.

5. Joint and Muscle Recovery: Anti-inflammatory properties may benefit those with arthritis or muscle soreness.

Mini Royal

The Mini Royal cherry is a low-chill, early-season sweet cherry variety that thrives in mild winter climates, making it well-suited for Southern California. Here are its key characteristics:

• Type: Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium)

• Pollination: Requires a pollinator; best paired with Royal Lee for fruit production

• Chill Hours: Approximately 200-300 hours, making it ideal for warmer regions

• Fruit: Medium-sized, deep red skin with firm, sweet, and flavorful flesh

• Harvest Season: Early—usually ripens in May to early June, one of the earliest cherries available

• Tree Size: Semi-dwarf to standard, reaching about 12-18 feet without pruning

• Growth Habit: Vigorous and upright

• Best Growing Zones: USDA zones 7-10, especially successful in Southern California and similar climates

The Mini Royal cherry shares a similar nutritional profile with other sweet cherries. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of fresh cherries:

Nutritional Value (per 100g of Mini Royal Cherries)

• Calories: ~50-63 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~16 g

• Sugars: ~12-13 g

• Fiber: ~2 g

• Protein: ~1 g

• Fat: ~0.2 g

Vitamins & Minerals

• Vitamin C: ~10% of Daily Value (DV) (~7 mg) – supports immunity and skin health

• Potassium: ~200-250 mg – important for heart health and muscle function

• Vitamin A: ~3% of DV – beneficial for eye health

• Calcium: ~13 mg – supports bone health

• Iron: ~0.4 mg – helps in oxygen transport in the blood

• Magnesium: ~11 mg – supports muscle and nerve function

Health Benefits

• Rich in Antioxidants (such as anthocyanins and polyphenols) – helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

• Supports Heart Health – due to potassium and anti-inflammatory compounds

• Aids Digestion – good fiber content promotes gut health

• May Improve Sleep – natural melatonin content can support better sleep patterns

Best Ways to Consume

• Fresh as a snack

• Added to smoothies, yogurt, or salads

• Used in desserts like pies, jams, and sauces

Royal Lee

The Royal Lee cherry is a low-chill, early-season sweet cherry variety that pairs perfectly with Mini Royal for pollination. It is an excellent choice for growers in mild winter climates, such as Southern California.

Key Characteristics:

• Type: Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium)

• Pollination: Requires a pollinator; best paired with Mini Royal

• Chill Hours: 200-300 hours, making it well-suited for warm regions

• Fruit: Medium-sized, heart-shaped, with red skin and firm, sweet, flavorful flesh

• Flavor: Rich, complex sweetness with a balanced hint of tartness

• Harvest Season: Early, ripening in May to early June, slightly ahead of Mini Royal

• Tree Size: Semi-dwarf to standard, reaching about 12-18 feet without pruning

• Growth Habit: Upright and vigorous

• Best Growing Zones: USDA zones 7-10, thriving in warm climates with mild winters

Growing Tips:

• Plant in a sunny location with well-draining soil

• Requires regular watering, especially during fruit development

• Annual pruning helps maintain size, shape, and airflow

• Pair with Mini Royal for optimal fruit production

The Royal Lee cherry has a nutritional profile similar to other sweet cherries. Here’s an approximate breakdown per 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of fresh cherries:

Nutritional Value (per 100g of Royal Lee Cherries)

• Calories: ~50-63 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~16 g

• Sugars: ~12-13 g

• Fiber: ~2 g

• Protein: ~1 g

• Fat: ~0.2 g

Vitamins & Minerals

• Vitamin C: ~10% of Daily Value (DV) (~7 mg) – supports immune function and skin health

• Potassium: ~200-250 mg – essential for heart and muscle function

• Vitamin A: ~3% of DV – important for vision and skin

• Calcium: ~13 mg – supports bone health

• Iron: ~0.4 mg – aids in oxygen transport in the blood

• Magnesium: ~11 mg – helps with muscle and nerve function

Health Benefits

• High in Antioxidants – anthocyanins and polyphenols help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

• Supports Heart Health – potassium helps regulate blood pressure

• Aids Digestion – fiber content supports gut health

• May Promote Better Sleep – contains natural melatonin, which can aid sleep cycles

Best Ways to Enjoy

• Eaten fresh as a snack

• Added to fruit salads, yogurt, or smoothies

• Used in desserts like pies, jams, and sauces