The president of Canadian Cherry Producers Inc. says human studies are the next logical step to determine the true health benefits of cherries developed at the University of Sask-atchewan.
Bruce Hill of Hill Berry Acres at Imperial, Sask., said a study last fall found that five varieties of cherries developed at the university scored high for total antioxidants when compared to sweet cherries, raspberries and green grapes.
Evans cherries were also tested and rate comparably to the low end of the U of S varieties.
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PhD candidate James Dawson conducted the study under the supervision of Bob Bors.
Hill said the health benefits of American sour cherries had been studied and used in marketing efforts, but the Saskatchewan varieties had not.
Dawson’s work found that all five varieties — Carmine Jewel, Valentine, Cupid, Romeo and Juliet — had high levels of the antioxidants known as phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins.
Antioxidants are known to boost immunity and disease resistance.
“We’ve now got solid evidence on the benefits of the U of S cherries,” Hill said.
He said the cherries are significantly different than the varieties commonly grown in North America. They are a bit sweeter than most sour cherries and can rival sweet cherries.
Hill Berry Acres is entering its eighth growing season and has a dehydrated cherry product in 33 Saskatchewan stores.
Hill said 250 acres are planted to cherries in Canada, mostly in Sask-atchewan. They are an attractive option because they are growing in non-traditional areas where pests and disease haven’t been big problems.
The expansion is catching consumer attention, which is why knowing the health benefits is important.
The previous studies have been done at the U of S agriculture college, but he said the proposal for the next study is for the kinesiology college.
“I have a letter of intent to do a human health study because there’s some controversy in the research world today between what happens in the test tube, does it happen in the human body,” Hill said.
“We need that evidence.”
