Chokecherry

Chokecherry is a fruit that belongs to the cherry and berry family of the bird-cherry species. This is one of the suckering shrubs. The fruit is also known as Virginia bird cherry and bitter-berry.

Chokecherry Scientific Name

Chokecherry is scientifically known as Prunus virginiana.

Chokecherry Description

Color: This fruit has a rich Canada red color complete global. Sometimes when the fruit over ripens it turns dark purplish red.

Shape: The fruit is evenly round.

Size: Each fruit of chokecherry is exactly of the size of a glass marble.

Taste: The fruit has a sweet and acidic taste of its own.

Picture 1 – Chokecherry

Chokecherry Varieties

Chokecherry is found in two varieties, Eastern chokecherry and Western chokecherry.

Chokecherry Distribution

This strange fruit is found all over U.S.A., Canada and France.

Chokecherry Cultivation

Sowing :

• Chose low alkaline and well drained soil to sow the chokecherry seeds.
• They seeds should be sown in winters as they require cold for germination.
• Plant the seeds at three inches apart from each other.

Sunlight : These shrubs need open space and full sun to grow.

Water : Water the area of plantation thoroughly and make sure the water is drained out completely.

Chokecherry Nutritional Facts

Nutrition content in every single cup full of chokecherry is given in the chart below.

Chokecherry Health Benefits

Chokecherry is quite beneficial for health. It nourishes the body from deep within. Find out all about its health benefits below.

Picture 2 – Chokecherry Image

• It contains flavonoids that are phytonutrients. This property nourishes the various organs of human body and boost up their functioning.
• Vitamin C content in chokecherry improves immunity of human body.
• It has high level of anti-oxidant contents. This protects our body cells from free radical damages.
• Its manganese content is extremely beneficial for maintained functioning of thyroid hormones.
• The same manganese is also beneficial for healthy functioning of nerves and well maintenance of bones.

Chokecherry Side Effects

The fruit has many side effects as well if over eaten.

• The mildest side effect results in headache.
• Over eating of this fruit can cause constipation.
• Sometimes it even results in ushering ulcers.
• Leaves and seeds of this fruit have been studied to be toxic.
• Consumption of wild chokecherries’ leaves and seeds has also proven to be fatal.

Chokecherry Edibility

Chokecherry is eaten raw as a fruit like berries and cherries. It is also processed and used in deserts.

Chokecherry Uses

Chokecherry has various uses since ages back. Find out the edible, medicinal and other commercial uses of this fruit.

Edible Uses

• It is used make deserts like pies.
• Jelly is made from the extracts of this fruit.
• It is also stewed sometimes.
• Liqueurs and spirits are flavored with extracts of this fruit.

Medicinal Uses

• Extracts of this fruit is used to treat chronic cough, dry dough and whooping cough.
• It treats nervous dyspepsia.
• Helps in improving digestion.
• It helps in curing gastritis.
• The fruit treats diarrhea.
• It cures convalescent debility.
• It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Other Uses

Extracts from the bark of chokecherry tree is used in flavoring many canned edible things and liqueurs.

Chokecherry Interesting Facts

Find some of the strange and extremely interesting facts about chokecherry listed below.

• Chokecherry is has properties that are extremely beneficial for human health.
• Though the fruit is nutritious and beneficial for health but the seed and leaves of the same fruit are extremely toxic. Consumption of these seeds and leaves can even prove fatal.
• This fruit’s extracts has more medicinal uses than culinary ones.
• Though it is a fruit but it cannot be eaten raw as it is. It has an acidic taste. Though is used to flavor a lot of deserts and liqueurs.
• This fruit looks quite similar to berries from a distance.

Chokecherry Pictures

See the pictures of chokecherry below top find out how this fruit looks like, so the next time it is not confused with berries.

Picture 3 – Chokecherry Picture

Picture 4 – Chokecherry Photos

Reference:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-chokecherry.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_virginiana

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/kspmcpg5596.pdf

https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/shrubs-and-trees/chokecherry

https://trees.umn.edu/chokecherry-prunus-virginiana

http://www.prcupcc.org/herbs/herbsc/chokecherry.htm