The enchanting cherry blossoms, or sakura, of Japan are a national symbol, celebrated for their ephemeral beauty. But a common question arises: do these delicate blooms actually transform into the cherries we eat? The short answer is a nuanced "sort of," and understanding the full story requires exploring the life cycle of different cherry tree varieties.
What are Cherry Blossoms?
Cherry blossoms are the flowers of cherry trees (Prunus species). Many varieties exist, and their purpose isn't primarily fruit production. The sakura so admired in Japan are often cultivars bred specifically for their stunning blossoms, not their fruit. These varieties produce small, often sour or inedible cherries.
Do All Cherry Blossoms Produce Edible Cherries?
No. The cherry trees grown for their fruit—the sweet cherries we enjoy—are different cultivars within the Prunus genus, primarily Prunus avium (sweet cherry) and Prunus cerasus (sour cherry). These are cultivated specifically for their fruit yield and taste. While they also produce beautiful blossoms, they're not typically the same breathtaking displays seen during Japan's famous hanami (cherry blossom viewing) festivals.
What Kind of Cherries Do Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees Produce?
Many of the ornamental cherry trees used for hanami produce cherries that are small, hard, and often quite tart or bitter. They're not suitable for eating fresh, though some are used for making jams or other processed products. The focus is on the visual spectacle of the blossoms, not the fruit's culinary value.
Are the Cherries from Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees Poisonous?
While generally not poisonous, the cherries produced by ornamental cherry trees are rarely palatable due to their bitter or astringent taste. It's best to avoid consuming them unless you're certain of the variety and its suitability for consumption.
Why are Some Cherry Trees Bred for Blossoms, Not Fruit?
Selective breeding has focused on developing cherry tree varieties with larger, more vibrant, and longer-lasting blooms. This prioritization of aesthetic appeal over fruit production resulted in the stunning displays of sakura we see today.
What Happens to the Cherry Blossom After it Falls?
After the petals fall, the tree continues its life cycle. The blossoms are replaced by small, green fruits that may develop into cherries, depending on the variety. In many ornamental varieties, these cherries are underdeveloped and inedible. In fruit-producing varieties, the cherries will continue to mature, eventually ripening and becoming ready for harvest.
In conclusion, while some cherry blossom trees do produce cherries, those associated with Japan's famed cherry blossom season are typically ornamental varieties cultivated for their beauty, not their fruit. These trees produce cherries, but they are rarely desirable for consumption. The stunning spectacle of sakura is a testament to centuries of selective breeding prioritizing aesthetics over fruit production.
