Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/31248
Cherries Based on the scientific board’s recom- mendations of research priorities, the cherry industry is funding several research projects this year, with the major focus on three studies: Bioactivity—Frozen plasma samples from a 2006 Bing cherry feeding study on humans have been analyzed for nearly 90 antigens (pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, adhesion mole- cules, clotting factors, hormones, and markers for immune status, including allergies, and cancer). Once completed, the results will establish a better under- standing of the bioactivity of sweet cher- ries, guide future feeding trials or clinical research, and give industry a study it can promote through public relations efforts. “We want to strengthen our soapbox.” —James Michael Prostate cancer—A study that found purple carrots could have an effect on reducing the risk of prostate cancer has excited cherry researchers because cher- ries have higher anthocyanin levels than those of the purple carrots. Studies will begin this summer with at-risk men to better understand the effects of eating cherries on reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Standardized cherry replacement product—USDA is collaborating with Van Drunen Farms in Illinois to develop a freeze-dried product that could substitute for cherries when they are out of season and account for fruit variables between variety, region, and season. The need for a year-round product became apparent last summer when the prostate feeding study had to be postponed until this year due to the short availability of fresh product. A grant from the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Pro- gram has been received to help fund the prostate cancer project. Additionally, a comprehensive report published in Critical Reviews in Food Sci- ence and Nutrition summarized all of the sweet cherry health-related research that has recently been conducted around the world. Michael explained that the white paper served as a starting point to identify what’s been done and to interest scientists in future sweet cherry research. Support for the projects is split between California and Northwest cherry produc- ers, with about two-thirds coming from the Northwest and one-third from Califor- nia. The two cherry groups appointed a Health and Nutrition Committee to work closely with the scientific board and execute the health research strategy. The scientific board will meet again this fall to review research and strategy progress. Michael said that as information from the health studies comes out, the cherry industry will develop specific phrases and slogans to share the health message. “Sweet health,” the slogan currently used, www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER MAY 15, 2011 23 has been a good collective term for the health benefits that come from eating cherries, but he said that it doesn’t really give specifics. “In the future, we hope to develop a specific health message that would better convey the benefits. For example, we could have something that shares cherries’ role in preventing prostate cancer.” •