Wild Cherry
Cherry ( Black Oliver )
Prunus avium Black Oliver
Also known as wild cherry
This variety originates from Herefordshire, in the early 20th century. It is a traditional variety that is not that well known nationally. Prunus avium is a variety that is native to Europe including England, making it a common fruit all around the Mediterranean. Cherries in England probably came with the Romans, but it is not clear if that is that is proven.
Description & Size
It will grow between 10 – 15 metres tall with a good shape spread.
If there is a wound on the trunk, the bark exudes a sticky liquid which seals the wound.
The leaves can provide food for moths.
Fruiting time
Flowers are produced in early spring – April, and can be easily damaged by late frosts. These will fruit late July and early august. About the same time as most other cherries.
Fruit
Cherries have been grown in the UK and found in ancient records. They have been treated as other fruit, for jam, and deserts. But most importantly as a raw fruit.
They should only be picked when ripe, as that is when the sugar content is highest. Prior to that, the cherry will be sour.
Historical uses
Cherry seeds have been found in bronze age settlements and have been shown to be used by people for thousands of years.
In Germany in particular, it is used to make cherry liqeur ‘kirch’. If you want to try and make an alcohilic drink, we aware that the seed is slightly toxic, and should not be consumed or used in the preparation of drink.
Medicinal
Cherries have been considered one of the best fruits to cleanse the body of toxins. It contains lots of anthocyanins, and this helps top privide the bright colours of the fruit.
The fruit also contains vitiman C and amino acids, fore which they can be used particularly in the winter, when food is low. This combination also contribute to the prevention of aging of the skin and hair.
The cherry is regarded as an important fruit that can be very useful as part of a regular diet because of its beneficial qualities.
Cherries are seen by some as an important addition to the diet of those suffering from gout, arthritis, and obesity. This stems from its antioxidant properties.
However, cherries should not be taken by people with kidney or liver failure.
Maintenance
Avium means bird, and it is a favourite with birds. So, it is common not to find any fruit on the tree to pick, because the birds have taken them all.
Birds and mammals dispel the seeds in their droppings. Mice like to use the seeds during the winter as a food source.
This type of cherry needs another to pollinate.
Prunus avium Black Oliver
Also known as wild cherry
This variety originates from Herefordshire, in the early 20th century. It is a traditional variety that is not that well known nationally. Prunus avium is a variety that is native to Europe including England, making it a common fruit all around the Mediterranean. Cherries in England probably came with the Romans, but it is not clear if that is that is proven.
Description & Size
It will grow between 10 – 15 metres tall with a good shape spread.
If there is a wound on the trunk, the bark exudes a sticky liquid which seals the wound.
The leaves can provide food for moths.
Fruiting time
Flowers are produced in early spring – April, and can be easily damaged by late frosts. These will fruit late July and early august. About the same time as most other cherries.
Fruit
Cherries have been grown in the UK and found in ancient records. They have been treated as other fruit, for jam, and deserts. But most importantly as a raw fruit.
They should only be picked when ripe, as that is when the sugar content is highest. Prior to that, the cherry will be sour.
Historical uses
Cherry seeds have been found in bronze age settlements and have been shown to be used by people for thousands of years.
In Germany in particular, it is used to make cherry liqeur ‘kirch’. If you want to try and make an alcohilic drink, we aware that the seed is slightly toxic, and should not be consumed or used in the preparation of drink.
Medicinal
Cherries have been considered one of the best fruits to cleanse the body of toxins. It contains lots of anthocyanins, and this helps top privide the bright colours of the fruit.
The fruit also contains vitiman C and amino acids, fore which they can be used particularly in the winter, when food is low. This combination also contribute to the prevention of aging of the skin and hair.
The cherry is regarded as an important fruit that can be very useful as part of a regular diet because of its beneficial qualities.
Cherries are seen by some as an important addition to the diet of those suffering from gout, arthritis, and obesity. This stems from its antioxidant properties.
However, cherries should not be taken by people with kidney or liver failure.
Maintenance
Avium means bird, and it is a favourite with birds. So, it is common not to find any fruit on the tree to pick, because the birds have taken them all.
Birds and mammals dispel the seeds in their droppings. Mice like to use the seeds during the winter as a food source.
This type of cherry needs another to pollinate.