A quick guide to help you distinguish between American and Chinese cherries based on external features, taste, harvest season, price, and preservation methods. Let’s dive in and explore with Bach Hoa XANH!
1 Differentiating American and Chinese Cherries
Size Comparison
- American cherries are carefully cultivated and maintained to meet export standards, resulting in larger, more uniform fruit, typically measuring around 27mm in diameter.
- On the other hand, Chinese cherries tend to be smaller and vary in size.
Size Comparison
Color Differences
- American cherries are a sweet variety with a deep red skin, and some types may have a slightly darker hue. Their skin is typically plump, shiny, and attached to a long, fresh green stem. They feel firm and solid when held.
- Chinese cherries, on the other hand, are a sour variety with bright red skin. While their skin appears smooth, it lacks the plumpness and shine of American cherries. Additionally, the stems of Chinese cherries are often a darker shade of green and feel slightly softer.
Color Differences
Taste and Texture
- American cherries are known for their sweetness, and their flesh is firm yet crisp. They have a subtle, pleasant aroma and a strong sweet taste. However, cherries at the beginning of the season may have a mild tangy flavor.
- Chinese cherries, being a sour variety, offer a stronger sour taste with less sweetness, and they may leave a slightly bitter aftertaste. Their flesh is crisp but tends to be softer, moist, and spongy due to the use of preservatives.
Taste and Texture
Harvest Season
- Both American and Chinese cherries are harvested from May to late August. Therefore, when purchasing, it is essential to buy from reputable fruit importers to avoid confusion.
Harvest Season
Price Point
- American cherries are usually imported through large supermarkets or reputable hand-carry shops, resulting in higher prices, especially for early-season cherries. The price of American cherries typically ranges from 400,000 to 950,000 VND per kg, depending on size (larger cherries are more expensive) and season.
- Chinese cherries are often ripened with chemicals to increase yield, which results in a lower price, typically ranging from 120,000 to 150,000 VND per kg.
Price Point
Preservation Methods
- American cherries are preserved using anaerobic methods, with controlled temperature and pressure, ensuring their quality during transportation. As a result, they can stay fresh for up to 10 days when stored in the refrigerator at 10°C.
- Chinese cherries, on the other hand, are often soaked in chemicals by growers to prevent decay, allowing them to remain fresh for an extended period, even without refrigeration.
Preservation Methods
2 Prolonging Cherry Freshness
After purchasing cherries, avoid washing them with water to prevent moisture absorption into the flesh.
Instead, place them in a glass or plastic container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4°C and 10°C. This method will keep your cherries fresh for 7 to 10 days.
Prolonging Cherry Freshness
3 Selecting Delicious Cherries
Look for cherries with plump, shiny skin and a deep red or dark red color, depending on the variety. Avoid dull or wrinkled cherries.
Choose cherries with long, fresh green stems, as these indicate recently picked, high-quality fruit.
Refrain from selecting cherries with wrinkled, rough skin or uneven sizes. Ideally, go for cherries that are around 27mm in size, well-rounded, and feel firm to the touch.
Selecting Delicious Cherries
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