National Cherry Month

Since the cherry trees come to life in February, it’s the perfect time for National Cherry Month! Throughout Washington D.C., the cherry blossoms burst to life just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

This annual event began in 1912. The people of Japan sent 3,000 cherry trees as a gift to the United States as a symbol of friendship between two nations. A single cherry looks a bit like a little heart, and February is the month of love. Since Presidents Day is February and one particular president is paired with chopping down a cherry tree – folklore or not – February and cherries just go together.

Cherries are packed with nutrients, one of them is fiber. Fiber helps maintain a healthy gut with probiotic properties and promotes healthy digestion. Cherries also contain high amounts of antioxidants in the form of Vitamin C. This helps fight free radicals in the body and protects from disease. It also prevents and helps with inflammation and bolsters the immune system. The potassium found in cherries is excellent for restoring the body after exercise, as well as heart health.