Good morning from the sunny fields of Valencia!
Today I bring you a reflection that started with a cherry (literally) and ended in an existential... or rather, nutritional crisis.
It turns out that the other day, while I was harvesting with Alex between cherry trees (with so much care that some branches now greet me by name), a question came to mind: Do we eat cherries because they are good for our health or simply out of habit?
Let's start with the obvious. Cherries in Spain have that air of summer tradition, a dessert eaten by the handful straight from the fridge, at family gatherings or local festivals... but very few people seem to really know what they are eating.
{nombre}, before we get to that, I remind you that we are still harvesting mountain golden plums, peaches, Piel de Sapo melons, and more than twenty seasonal products.
You can put together a box like this one we prepared here and receive it at your home with freshly harvested products:
Now, back to cherries. Let me explain.
For example: did you know that cherries contain melatonin? Yes, that same melatonin found in sleep supplements. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates our sleep cycles, and although cherries have less of it than a pill you buy at the pharmacy, they are one of the few fruits that contain it naturally.
In addition, they are rich in antioxidants, help muscle recovery, and have anti-inflammatory properties. In short, a handful of cherries a day can help you sleep better, reduce muscle soreness, and even protect your heart. Quite a lot, actually...
What strikes me is that not many people associate cherries with a real health benefit. They are consumed mainly because they taste good or because they have always been eaten at this time of year.
And it's not just with cherries, but with many fruits and vegetables that we produce here in the countryside.
But here comes the plot twist, as they say now.
Our lifestyle is changing, and not for the better when it comes to fruits and vegetables. What I see, {nombre}, is that there are people who cook less and less, or who want something ready in three minutes.
And this leads to less consumption of real fruits and vegetables, those that are grown, harvested, and arrive at your home directly from the field. I mean, I've come across some poor lettuces in bags at the supermarket that, wow...
Healthy, freshly picked fruit looks like this:
So, reflection made, here's my proposal: let's review our customs and start eating cherries not only because they taste good (which they do), but also because they are one of the most complete fruits we have. Pure natural pharmacy.
Of course, if you are someone who consumes fruits and vegetables and knows what they provide your body and it's a regular thing... I would love for you to tell me about it. Because I know there are also those who, like me, know how much the body needs vitamin C and make themselves a good orange juice to stay healthy.
We will continue from the field, harvesting fruit with flavor and purpose. Trying to ensure that every box you receive is not only good, but also good for you.
When you eat your next cherry, think that in addition to flavor, you are getting a small dose of restful sleep. As my grandmother would say: as natural as it gets.
A big hug from the field,
Until next week,
