That’s news to most folks, even in cherry-rich Leelanau County, We don’t think of farming as being competitive. But somewhere up the food chain of marketing, shelf space is merciless. The winners prosper; the losers go broke.
There’s a lot to be said about the similarities between blueberries and cherries. They make great pies, and they power pastries. By themselves and with decidedly less sugar, they co-claim the title of Super Fruit with proven health rewards that come just short of curing warts and reversing hair loss.
Those last benefits are a stretch — sort of. Cherry and blueberry industries have commissioned hundreds of studies proving that their fruits prevent cancer, control inflammation and promote heart health. From preventing gout to easing menstrual cramps, you wonder if Ponce de Leon would have ended his search had he wondered upon a blueberry patch or cherry orchard.
