Pars Today

In this episode we’re going to discuss Iranian fruits which have the best quality in the world. For your information, the Islamic Republic of Iran ranks fourth in the world regarding the diversity of agricultural products. The Islamic Republic is also the eighth producer of fruits in the world.

The land of Iran should be titled as the Paradise of fruits. Different types of fruits are planted in the fertile soil of Iran. French traveler of 17th century, Jean Chardin after travelling to Iran took note of different types of fruit in Iran including, melon, cucumber, grape, apricot, pomegranate, apple, pear, orange, quince, plum, fig, pistachio, almond, walnut, hazelnut, and olive. He wrote in his travelogue: «In Iran, there are not only different kinds of fruits that exist in Europe but these fruits are even more delicious than the ones that are in Europe. »
The geographical features of Iran like its climatic variety, topography, and the height above sea level are all the divine graces which enable Iranians to enjoy the best quality fruits in the world. From semi-tropical dates to fruits produced in cold regions like pears and peaches are all available in Iran.
Iran is a four-seasoned country. Thus, fruits ranging from the tropical to the cold regions grow in this country. You can see orange and watermelon which are produced in north and south of Iran respectively at the same time in a grocery store! Iran is the paradise of fruits.
The Islamic Republic of Iran ranks fourth regarding the diversity of agricultural products. Iran is also the eight producer of fruits in the world. Most of Iranian cities are known for their special fruit so that the name of the fruit and city represent each other. For example, fruit producers say the pomegranate of Saveh, or the pear of Natanz. When a fruit producer mentions the name of the city along with the fruit it means that this fruit enjoys a high quality because according to the experts of agriculture, some fruits yield better in some regions because of the soil and weather. For example, the watermelon of Minab in southern Iran enjoys a high quality because of the direct sun shine. This is while the north of Iran cannot produce such a great watermelon.
A brief look at Iran's map and the agricultural products of different regions shows the reason why Iran is called the land of fruits. In every city and province of Iran there is a fruit that has universal popularity. Iranian cherry is one of those fruits. This tree can grow and yield fruit in both average hot and average cold weathers. 
The best weather for this tree is average cold and the place for it are mountainous regions with sufficient winter falls and cool summers. Cherry tree is short and without thorns. It has red brownish branches and oval-shaped toothed, leaves with a point at the tip. Cherry tree has a life of 20 to 30 years. Cherry fruit is fleshy and has core inside. The blossoms of this tree are white or red which grow alone or on bunches.
Cherries range in color. There are red, black, yellow and pink cherries in Iran.
Iranian cherries are ripe in May and are available in fruit markets until September. The best time for buying ripe sweet and juicy cherries is the month of June. The cherry of Iran is the best quality cherry in the world.
Cherries apart from tasting really good have high nutritional value. Cherries are a good source of vitamins A, B, C and E.
They contain anthocyanins which are good for maintaining a healthy body. 
Cherries contain melatonin which is five times more than the blackberries, strawberries and helps cure insomnia and maintain healthy joint function.
They also act as anti-inflammatory agent.
They also help the body fight cancer, aging, headaches etc.
Cherries are also helpful in controlling blood pressure and heart rate thus helping our cardiovascular system.
Cherries contain vitamin A, vitamin B and minerals like calcium and phosphorus which is good for the brain. Cherries give you the energy necessary for the body as they not only contribute to building blood but they also give you flexibility due to sodium in them.
Iran is full of beautiful cherry gardens. Some believe that the border city of Oshnavieh in West Azarbaijan province because of possessing ample cherry gardens is called the capital of cherry of Iran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is the third producer of cherry in the world.
Among the famous types of Iranian cherry mention can be made of Mashhad black cherry, Lavasanat pink cherry, Haj Yousefi cherry and Meshkinshahr cherry. 
Takdaneh cherry is another type of Iranian cherry which is of a high quality. The Takdaneh cherry of the cities of Neishabour and Orumieh are exported abroad and have a lot of foreign customers including in Russia and Persian Gulf littoral states.
AE/RM/ME