Turkey produces more cherries than any other country in the world, accounting for about 14% of total cherries produced. The U.S. runs a close second with a little more than 10% of total production. In 2007, Turkey produced 877,660 pounds (398,100 metric tons) of cherries, and the U.S. produced 684,976 pounds (310.7 metric tons). The two countries alternate as leading exporters.
More Cherry On Top Facts:
- In 2008, the world produced 4,136 pounds (1.876 metric tons) of cherries.
- Total cherry consumption in the U.S. in 2008 was about 1.9 pounds (about 30 ounces) per person.
- The Romans are credited with the first cherry harvest in the first century B.C.