National Cherry Turnover Day is celebrated annually on August 28 in the U.S. This is the perfect time to celebrate this dessert as it is almost the end of summer and people are still going outdoors for picnics or camping — so cherry turnovers make a great food item to carry along. A cherry turnover is a puff pastry that is stuffed with cherry filling and then baked until it turns golden brown. There are many variations to this dish but the classic remains a favorite.
History of National Cherry Turnover Day
Turnovers actually date back to ancient times and used to be called “portable pies.” Cherry turnovers are typically made with puff pastry dough and it is prepared in such a way that the dough is light and flaky. Extra fat is added to the dough to achieve this. The cherry filling is then graciously spread on a rolled-out puff pastry. During this step, many people choose to even improvise and add their own toppings. Once this step is achieved, you can fold the seams together to make a pouch and then go ahead and bake them.Cherries have in fact been a preferred food item for centuries and were even liked by Roman conquerors, Greeks, and Chinese noblemen. Domestic cherries became widespread throughout Europe and Britain during the 15th century. Then in the 1600s, English colonists brought cherries to North America by ship. After that, it was the French colonists from Normandy who brought pits that they planted along the Saint Lawrence River. It was in the mid-1800s that we began to see modern-day cherry production. Now, the U.S. produces more than 650 million pounds of tart and sweet cherries annually with a majority of it coming from Michigan.National Cherry Turnover Day is the perfect excuse to dig into this scrumptious dessert and join in on the celebrations. Either bake one or buy one or simply go out for one, but get yourself a Cherry Turnover on this day and use social media as well to spread the love.
National Cherry Turnover Day timeline
Lucius Licinius Lucullus brings a cultivated cherry to Rome from northeastern Anatolia.
English colonists bring cherries to North America.
Peter Dougherty, a Presbyterian missionary, plants cherry trees at Old Mission Peninsula, paving the way for modern-day cherry production.
The first commercial tart cherry orchards are planted in Michigan on Ridgewood Farm.
National Cherry Turnover Day FAQs
Where did cherry turnovers originate?
Cherry turnover originates from France like most desserts. They came from savory meat pies that were developed into desserts that could be carried along by workers easily.
Who invented turnovers?
It is believed that the monks of the German monastery Maulbronn invented turnovers to conceal the fact that they were eating meat during lent.
What is the difference between a popover and a turnover?
In a turnover, you overturn something while a popover is a light hollow muffin that resembles a Yorkshire pudding.
How To Celebrate National Cherry Turnover Day
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Make a Cherry Turnover
Cherry turnovers are not at all complicated to make and even beginners can perfect this dish. The ingredients are also easily available at grocery stores and there are so many recipes online to help you make your own cherry turnover. Try your hand at making one on National Cherry Turnover Day.
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Pick up a Cherry Turnover from a shop
Many dessert brands make cherry turnovers and these can even be found in local stores. Head out to a nearby store and buy yourself a cherry turnover to celebrate this day.
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Pack a Cherry Turnover for work
The best part about a cherry turnover is that it can be eaten for any meal of the day. On this day, pack a cherry turnover for work and eat it as breakfast, or a post-lunch dessert, or a mid-evening snack. You can even distribute some among your colleagues and share the love.
5 Facts About Cherries That You Must Know
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Antioxidant levels
As compared to lighter cherries, darker cherries have higher levels of antioxidants.
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Cherry production
A commercially grown cherry tree will produce 7000 cherries on average each year.
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Michigan cherries
In the U.S., over 75% of the cherries sold actually come from the state of Michigan.
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Species of cherries
There are broadly two types of cherries which are the sweet cherry or wild cherry and the sour cherry.
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Frozen cherries
Frozen cherries tend to concentrate and improve their taste.
Why We Love National National Cherry Turnover Day
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They’re a light dessert
Cherry turnovers are not too heavy on the stomach and can even be eaten as a snack. They are super versatile and can even have multiple variations in the recipe. They make the perfect accompaniment for any outdoorsy trip.
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Cherries are healthy
Cherries, which are one of the main ingredients of this dessert, are extremely healthy. They come packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They are also low in calories and have great levels of antioxidants.
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It’s a fun food holiday
Who does not like another opportunity to indulge in some tasty food? Cherry turnovers are delicious and loved by many across the world, especially in the United States.
National Cherry Turnover Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 28 | Monday |
| 2024 | August 28 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | August 28 | Thursday |
| 2026 | August 28 | Friday |
| 2027 | August 28 | Saturday |
