Sweet cherries are closely related to the wild cherries that were indigenous in the region of the Caucasus Mountains that lie between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The southern portion, now Azerbaijian, as well as northern Turkey and Iran, were also home to the sweet cherry. The sour cherry is thought to be a hybrid between the sweet cherry and a wild shrub called ground cherry that grew in the eastern and central portion of Europe.

Cherries are part of the Rosaceae family, which includes almonds, peaches, apricots and plums. They are small, fleshy fruits that contain a hard drupe or stone and are generally red or black in color. There are many species of cherries, however there are mainly two that are commonly eaten. The Wild Cherry, which is the most popular and the Sour Cherry, which is used primarily for cooking and is commonly used in the production of jam.

Cherries are generally expensive fruit to purchase. The reason for this is due to the high costs involved in the production, irrigation and exposure to rain and hail damage. Cherries are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Cherries have been shown to have several other health benefits, such as high levels of anti-inflammatory properties.