Kirsikat

Kirsikat is the Finnish word for cherries, referring to the fruit produced by cherry trees of the genus Prunus. In common horticulture, two main cultivated groups are recognized: sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and sour or tart cherries (Prunus cerasus). The fruits are typically round to flattened and can range in color from deep red to black in sweet varieties, and from red to dark red in sour types.

In Finland, kirsikat are cultivated mainly in the southern and coastal regions where the climate is more favorable for cherry trees. Cherry trees are deciduous and require winter chill; many Finnish gardeners and growers select cultivars bred for cold tolerance and early to mid-season ripening. Most cherry trees require insect pollination, and some cultivars are self-incompatible, relying on nearby trees or pollinators for fruit set.

Harvest occurs in summer, from late June to August depending on variety and weather. Fresh cherries are consumed as fruit, while many are processed into jams, desserts, pies, and juices. They are also used in seasonal dishes and pastries.

Nutritionally, cherries are a source of vitamins C and A, fiber, and potassium, and they provide natural sugars and antioxidants. They are highly perishable and best stored refrigerated for a short period; freezing or canning extends shelf life.