The season for Sweet Cherries is finally here! Sweet cherry season can last from May through the entire summer thanks to slight climate variations in the best growing regions for the fruit. In any given year, however, there might be gaps or shortages in the sweet cherry supply, because growing cherries is both weather sensitive and labor intensive. Cherries do best in temperate climates, requiring at least four days of temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit—but the trees are vulnerable to frost during the bloom cycle, and late freezes can prevent the fruit from getting to harvest. Too much heat or rain as harvest approaches can also damage fruit, with sunburn or fruit bursting from abundant moisture. Sweet cherries need to be handpicked as soon as they are ripe, or birds are likely to pick them first. Cherries require tender handling, and will only hold up if moved swiftly from the orchard to your mouth.
In spite of the many challenges that cherries must overcome to get to you—it’s well worth it to enjoy them when you have the chance! “Life is just a bowl of cherries” seems to mean that life’s pleasures are simple, fleeting, and not to be missed—the maxim endures well because the enjoyment of fresh cherries is undeniably among life’s pleasures. Juicy and delicious, cherries have been popular throughout history. Besides being delightfully enjoyable, cherries are full of nutritional benefits. The red color of cherries comes from antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins, shown by studies have shown have anti-inflammatory properties—making cherries and concentrated cherry juice a favorite treatment for sufferers of gout and arthritis. Cherries’ antioxidant level is comparable to so-called “super-fruits” and they also contain healthy fiber, Vitamin A, Calcium, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, traces of B vitamins and zinc. Sarah Aubry
Goodness Greeness is excited to have made a new relationship with an organic sweet potato grower in 
At Goodness Greeness, we are big fans of Rain Organic Vodka. Rain is made from organic white corn—grown in Illinois—and distilled seven times for refreshing taste and exceptional smoothness. 
