Cherries are one of the most popular fruits, known for their sweet and tart flavors. Among the many varieties of cherries, the Nanking Cherry stands out for its unique characteristics.
What is Nanking Cherry?
The Nanking Cherry, scientifically known as Prunus tomentosa, is a hardy shrub that produces small, red, tart cherries. It is native to China, but it has spread to other parts of the world, including North America and Europe.
The Nanking tree is beloved not only for its fruit but also for its ornamental qualities. With beautiful pink flowers that bloom in early spring, it adds a touch of color to gardens and landscapes. It thrives in cold climates, making it a popular choice in regions with harsh winters.
Characteristics of Nanking Cherry
Nanking are small, usually about the size of a blueberry. Their bright red color and slightly wrinkled skin give them a unique appearance. When it comes to taste, Nanking Cherries are a bit tart, though some varieties may have a sweeter note. The fruit has a juicy, refreshing flavor that makes it a favorite in jams, jellies, and pies.
The Nanking Cherry bush is relatively small compared to other cherry trees, growing to about 4-6 feet tall. It is easy to care for and doesn’t require much attention once established. The plant can thrive in a variety of soil types and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
Nanking Cherry vs. Bing Cherry: A Comparison
When most people think of cherries, the Bing Cherry probably comes to mind. Bing cherries are the most common sweet cherry variety and are often found in grocery stores. Let’s compare Nanking Cherries to Bing Cherries in terms of appearance, taste, and growing conditions.
Appearance:
Nanking Cherry: The Nanking Cherry has smaller fruit, around 0.5 inches in diameter, and is bright red with a slightly wrinkled skin.
Bing Cherry: Bing Cherries are much larger, around 1 inch in diameter, with a smooth, deep red to almost purple skin.
Taste:
Nanking Cherry: The flavor of Nanking Cherries is tart, with some varieties being sweeter, but they are generally more sour than Bing Cherries.
Bing Cherry: Bing Cherries are known for their sweet, juicy flavor. They are a favorite for fresh consumption and desserts.
Growing Conditions:
Nanking Cherry: The Nanking Cherry is much more adaptable to cold climates and is resistant to common pests and diseases.
Bing Cherry: Bing Cherry trees require a warm climate to thrive and are more susceptible to pests and diseases, making them more challenging to grow in colder regions.
Nanking Cherry vs. Montmorency Cherry: A Comparison
Montmorency Cherries are a well-known tart variety, particularly used in making pies and preserves. How does the Nanking Cherry compare to Montmorency cherries?
Appearance:
Nanking Cherry: Nanking Cherries are small, round, and bright red with a slightly wrinkled skin.
Montmorency Cherry: Montmorency Cherries are larger than Nanking Cherries, typically around 1 inch in diameter, and have smooth, bright red skin.
Taste:
Nanking Cherry: Nanking Cherries offer a tart flavor that can be a bit sour, though some varieties are slightly sweeter.
Montmorency Cherry: Montmorency Cherries are also tart, but they tend to be slightly milder and sweeter than Nanking Cherries, making them a popular choice for pies and other sweet dishes.
Growing Conditions:
Nanking Cherry: Nanking Cherry bushes are well-suited for cold climates and require minimal care once established.
Montmorency Cherry: Montmorency Cherry trees thrive in temperate climates but can handle colder winters better than sweet cherry varieties. However, they may require more attention to prevent pest problems.
Nanking Cherries differ from Montmorency Cherries primarily in their taste and size. While both are tart, Nanking Cherries have a more intense tartness. Additionally, Nanking Cherry bushes are much easier to grow in colder regions, making them an ideal choice for gardeners in areas where Montmorency Cherries may struggle.
Nanking Cherry vs. Sweet Cherry Varieties
Sweet cherries like Rainier and Lambert are known for their deliciously sweet, juicy flavor. How do they stack up against the Nanking Cherry?
Appearance:
Nanking Cherry: Nanking Cherries are smaller, with a diameter of about 0.5 inches and a bright red, wrinkled skin.
Sweet Cherries: Sweet cherries are much larger, with varieties like Rainier being up to 1 inch in diameter. They tend to have smooth, glossy skin and come in shades of red to yellow, depending on the variety.
Taste:
Nanking Cherry: Nanking Cherries have a tart flavor that can be overwhelming for some, but they are great for jams, jellies, and other preserved goods.
Sweet Cherries: Sweet Cherries, as the name suggests, are far sweeter than Nanking Cherries and are commonly enjoyed fresh or used in desserts.
Growing Conditions:
Nanking Cherry: Nanking Cherries thrive in cold climates and are resistant to many common pests and diseases, making them easy to grow in harsher climates.
Sweet Cherries: Sweet cherries require warmer climates to flourish and are more sensitive to cold weather. They are also prone to pests and diseases, requiring more attention.
In this comparison, the Nanking Cherry is smaller, more tart, and far hardier than sweet cherry varieties. Sweet cherries, though sweeter and larger, require more care and are limited to warmer climates.
Health Benefits of Nanking Cherry
Nanking Cherries are not just tasty; they also offer several health benefits. Here are some of the top health benefits of consuming Nanking Cherries:
Rich in Antioxidants: Nanking Cherries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. These antioxidants also promote heart health and improve skin appearance.
High in Vitamin C: Nanking Cherries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and supports overall health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants in Nanking Cherries help reduce inflammation, which can improve joint health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis.
Supports Digestion: Nanking Cherries contain dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. Eating them can help improve bowel regularity and prevent constipation.
Rich in Minerals: Nanking Cherries are a good source of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are vital for heart health and strong bones.
Culinary Uses of Nanking Cherry
Nanking Cherries are versatile in the kitchen. While they are not commonly eaten fresh due to their tartness, they are frequently used in various recipes:
Jams and Jellies: The tartness of Nanking Cherries makes them an ideal ingredient for making jams and jellies. When cooked with sugar, their sourness transforms into a sweet, tangy flavor.
Pies and Desserts: Nanking Cherries can be used in pies, tarts, and other desserts, offering a unique flavor that pairs well with other fruits like apples and berries.
Sauces and Syrups: You can also make Nanking Cherry sauce or syrup to drizzle over pancakes, ice cream, or other treats.
Smoothies and Juices: For a refreshing drink, blend Nanking Cherries with other fruits to make smoothies or juices. The tartness of the cherries adds a delicious zing to your beverage.
FAQs
1. What is a Nanking Cherry?
The Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is a deciduous shrub native to China, Japan, and Korea. It produces small, red, tart cherries and is valued for both its ornamental beauty and edible fruit.
2. How tall does a Nanking Cherry bush grow?
Nanking Cherry bushes typically reach heights of 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) and can spread equally wide, forming a dense, rounded shape.
3. What are the growing requirements for Nanking Cherry?
These shrubs thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained, sandy soils with a slightly alkaline pH (around 8.0). They are drought-tolerant and can withstand a range of temperatures.
4. Do I need more than one Nanking Cherry bush for fruit production?
While some sources suggest that cross-pollination from another bush can enhance fruit yield, many gardeners report satisfactory fruiting with a single Nanking Cherry bush.
5. When is the best time to plant Nanking Cherry?
Fall is considered the optimal time to transplant Nanking Cherry bushes, allowing them to establish roots before the next growing season. Spring planting is also possible, but summer plantings may require additional care to ensure proper watering.
6. How do I propagate Nanking Cherry?
Propagation is commonly done from seed. Collect seeds from fully ripe fruit, clean them, and perform cold stratification by storing them in moist conditions at 32 to 45°F (0 to 7°C) for about 100 days before planting.
7. What are common pests and diseases affecting Nanking Cherry?
Nanking Cherry bushes are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to issues like black knot, verticillium wilt, and borers. Regular inspection and maintenance can help mitigate these problems.
8. How do I prune Nanking Cherry bushes?
Pruning is best done in late winter. Remove about ¼ to 1/3 of the oldest branches each year to improve air circulation and fruit production. Focus on eliminating broken, damaged, or diseased branches.
9. When do Nanking Cherries ripen, and how are they harvested?
The fruit ripens in mid-summer, around the same time as strawberries. Harvesting involves picking the small, red cherries, which often remain attached to their stems. Due to their delicate nature, they are best consumed fresh or used in preserves shortly after picking.
10. What are the culinary uses of Nanking Cherries?
Nanking Cherries are excellent for making jams, jellies, pies, and juices due to their tart flavor. They can also be eaten fresh, though some may find them too tart for direct consumption.
11. Are Nanking Cherry bushes deer-resistant?
While Nanking Cherry bushes are relatively deer-resistant, deer may occasionally feed on them, especially during autumn and early winter. Observing local deer behavior can help in managing potential damage.
12. Can Nanking Cherry bushes tolerate shade? Nanking Cherry bushes grow best in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. However, fruit yield may be reduced under shaded conditions.
13. How do I address poor fruiting in Nanking Cherry bushes?
If your Nanking Cherry bush isn’t producing fruit, consider factors like soil pH, fertilization practices, sunlight exposure, and pruning habits. Conducting a soil test can provide insights into any nutrient imbalances.
14. Are there different varieties of Nanking Cherry?
Yes, there are variations such as white-fruited and pink-flowered cultivars. However, many Nanking Cherries are seed-grown, leading to differences in fruit taste, size, and shape among individual plants.
15. How do Nanking Cherries compare to other cherry varieties?
Nanking Cherries are smaller and more tart than many sweet cherry varieties. They are well-suited to colder climates and are often used in preserves and cooking rather than eaten fresh.
