Cherries originated in Asia Minor, in the fertile region between the Black and Caspian Seas, and were probably brought to Europe by birds. Farming began with the Greeks and was later expanded and developed by the Romans. Trees are planted along the road, valuable for their wood and fruit.

Sweet cherries came to the United States in 1629 and were later introduced to California. In the 19th century, sweet cherries were moved west by pioneers and fur traders to the major producing states of Washington, Oregon, and California. The varieties chosen then are still the basis of the industry today.

There are two main types of cherries. Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are often sold as fresh cherries in fresh grocery stores, and sour cherries are also known as Prunus cerasus L.

Cherries contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. These are members of a family of phytonutrients called flavonoids, which have a variety of health benefits and also give cherries their deep, rich red color.

Emerging research suggests that fresh cherries are rich in certain antioxidants and other phytonutrients -- plant pigments that have a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and anti-obesity effects.

Cherries provide a unique combination of phytonutrients that together provide health benefits not found in antioxidant supplements or pills. In addition to being a good source of vitamin C, cherries are rich in iron, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. The anthocyanins in cherries block inflammatory enzymes and reduce pain. These are low-calorie, fat-free and sodium-free in small packages. Sweet cherries are also known to be an excellent source of boron. The intake of boron, calcium and magnesium has been linked to bone health.

If too much fat accumulates around the waist, regardless of height or size, it increases the risk of chronic diseases, such as certain cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

In 2009, researchers at the University of Michigan found that animals fed a diet containing cherries for 12 weeks lost 18 percent of their total body fat, particularly "belly fat," the type most associated with heart disease risk.

Similarly, another study found that anthocyanins fed to mice on a high-fat diet suppressed diet-induced weight gain and produced normal high-fat diet-induced increases in blood glucose (sugar), insulin, and lipid (fat) levels.

A pilot study by Reiter's group at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that a daily serving of sour cherries may help raise melatonin levels in the blood enough to improve the body's natural sleep patterns. The researchers also noted that melatonin was most effective when taken an hour before bed. However, further research is needed to confirm the role of cherries in promoting sleep, as the evidence so far is very preliminary.

Cherries are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, a potent antioxidant that helps improve the body's circadian rhythm and natural sleep patterns.

Emerging research suggests that the anti-inflammatory content of cherries may promote the repair of exercise-damaged muscles.

The effect is attributed to specific anthocyanins, which can help relieve muscle pain and joint pain associated with inflammation.

In a recent study at Oregon Health and Sciences University, runners who drank 300 milliliters of sour cherry juice (the equivalent of 45-50 cherries) twice a day seven days before a race experienced significantly less post-race muscle pain on the day of a long-distance relay race.

The researchers say the properties found in sour cherry juice may act like common painkillers used by athletes, reducing muscle soreness after exercise.