There is something hard to (36) about cherries. The small red fruit is a popular (37) food around the world. In northern areas, cherry trees are just beginning to produce flowers.
Cherries are thought to be native to western Asia. There are two major kinds of cherries (38) in the world: sour and sweet.
Sour cherries are not eaten fresh because they contain little sugar, Instead, they are (39) to make (40) foods like jellies and pies and to make (41) drinks. The United States is a major producer of sour cherries. Among the states, Michigan is the top producer. Russia, Poland and Turkey are other important (42) nations.
Sweet cherries contain much more sugar than their sour (43) and are usually eaten fresh. Washington State is the biggest American producer, followed by California and Oregon. The United States, Iran and Turkey are major producers of sweet cherries. (44) .
Fresh cherries do not store well. (45) .
Cherry trees are also valued for their springtime blossoms. (46) .