What is the difference between cherries and Chinese cherries?
Jan 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
There is a difference between cherries and sweet cherries (commonly known as "cherries" in Chinese). They generally differ in appearance, nutritional content, taste and flavor, effects on sleep, and dietary contraindications. Both contain nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and anthocyanins. However, sweet cherries have relatively higher levels of vitamin C and slightly more iron. Cherries contain more abundant amounts of vitamin C and iron.
There are differences between cherries and sweet cherries (cherries imported from abroad, commonly known as "cheeries"), typically seen in their appearance, nutritional components, taste, effects on sleep, and dietary contraindications. The specific differences are as follows:
1. Appearance Differences
Cheeries are usually dark red in color, larger and firmer than common cherries. Cherries have a bright red color, are relatively smaller in size, and have thinner skins. Cheeries are more regularly shaped, plump and round, generally appearing as a flat, D-shaped fruit. Cherries are typically wide-heart shaped, with flat ends top and bottom.
2. Nutritional Components
Both contain nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and anthocyanins. However, cheeries have relatively higher vitamin C content and slightly higher iron content. Cherries also contain abundant vitamin C and iron. However, the content of these nutrients may vary depending on factors such as variety, origin, and growing conditions.
3. Taste and Flavor
Cheeries have firmer flesh with good elasticity, are juicy, high in sugar content, low in acidity, and generally sweet and pleasant in taste. Cherries have slightly softer flesh, relatively less juice, slightly lower sweetness, and somewhat higher acidity, giving a tart and sweet flavor that is more intense.
4. Effects on Sleep
Cherries contain a certain amount of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body's circadian rhythm. Eating cherries in moderation can help improve sleep quality. Cheeries do not contain melatonin and therefore have no direct effect on sleep.
5. Dietary Contraindications
Cherries are not suitable for individuals suffering from diabetes or gastrointestinal diseases, as they may worsen the condition. Cheeries are also not recommended for those with gastrointestinal disorders, as they may cause discomfort symptoms such as diarrhea and skin itching.
Whether cherries or cheeries, attention should be paid to freshness and storage conditions during consumption to prevent health issues caused by spoilage.
