Green Options » cherries

Global Honey Bee Population Increasing, Despite Local Losses

Michael Ricciardi — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:34:52 +0000

Foragers coming in loaded with pollen on the hive landing board.

In 2007, large commercial beekeepers started reporting big drop-offs in their bee colony populations. By 2008, estimated colony losses of between 30 and 70% were being reported, as a flurry of bad news about bees made the media rounds.

The loss since then of over 40% of the nation’s commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies–most seemingly due to so-called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD; caused most likely by the IAPV virus)–ushered in predictions of dire consequences for valuable crops around the world due to a lack of pollinators.

But a recent analysis of global honey bee populations (by Aizen and Harder*) shows a 45% increase in total numbers since 1961. The data for this analysis came from a global database of managed honeybees. The same researchers note, however, that the global stock of honey bees is growing slower than the global demand for them–which comes primarily from the cultivation of “luxury” crops like fruits and nuts. The the year round demand for items like cherries, mangoes, almonds and pistachios is far out-pacing world-wide production, leading to the perception of a shortage of pollinators.

Green Diva’s Guide to Delicious Living: If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, I’ll Drink Mine!

Megan McWilliams — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:27:01 +0000

This picture reminds me of a little cherry convention. I’ve been asked to review a new cherry drink, but I thought I would indulge in a little cherry 101 first.

Did you know . . .

Cherries are related to apricots
Cultivation of cherries dates back to 300 b.c.
Prunus avium, the common cherry tree is related to the rose bush!
The name originates from Greek (of course) and in Latin means ‘of or for the birds’
While America produces 90% of cherries today, the varieties we know and love were originally brought here by our European settlers
The popular Bing cherry was named after the farm foreman, who happened to be Manchurian, of the farm in Oregon that developed it

The Little Healer
These little buggers offer a potent dose of antioxidants, but beyond that it is a type of antioxidant not found in most other fruit. Research shows that cherries contain anthocyanins, which protect against heart disease, cancer, and inhibit enzymes that cause inflammation.

Life Is Just A Bowl of Cherries: Laugh, Love and Eat Pie

Lisa Kivirist — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:37:27 +0000

The roots of the “Life is just a bowl of cherries” proverb go back to a song from the 1930’s of the same name with the opening lyric: ” Life is just a bowl of cherries; Don’t make it serious; Life’s too mysterious.” A good reminder for me during peak cherry season — to remember to stop, savor and enjoy the cherries– especially when they are transformed into pie form.

Cherries, especially during this peak summer season, remind us to step back and relish the moment — something I definitely need reminding of as I continually journey toward eating more consciously and sustainably. Fresh sour cherries are here — then they’re gone till next year. Relax, eat and enjoy. This recipe blends sour cream with the tart bite of sour cherries, resulting in a creamy juxtaposition of flavors. Best eaten cold and within a day of baking.