National Cherry Turnover Day

The story

The history of the cherry turnover is a fascinating journey back to ancient times when these portable pies were first created. Imagine a piece of dough, filled with a cherry concoction, folded over, and sealed to create a delectable treat. The dough is key, often made with puff pastry, shortcrust pastry, or kneaded yeast pastry, resulting in a light and flaky texture, thanks to the addition of extra fat.

Cherries, with their luscious flavor and rich history, have been enjoyed by civilizations throughout the ages. From Roman conquerors to Greeks and Chinese nobility, cherries held a special place on their tables. It was in the 15th century that domestic cherries made their way to Europe and Great Britain, while English colonists brought cherries to North America in the 1600s.

The modern production of cherries began in the mid-1800s, with the establishment of the first commercial tart cherry orchards in Michigan. Today, the United States produces over 650 million pounds of tart and sweet cherries annually, with a significant portion coming from Michigan. Cherry turnovers, usually made with puff pastry, are the star of National Cherry Turnover Day.

These delightful pastries are best served warm, their golden and flaky crust enveloping the sweet, warm cherries. You can enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, taking this already delightful treat to new heights of deliciousness. Intriguingly, cherry turnovers are sometimes referred to as “hand pies.”

While they can be savory, on National Cherry Turnover Day, it's all about the sweet-sour cherry-stuffed turnovers.