Chocolate Sunshine

by Connie Handscomb

Title

Chocolate Sunshine

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

I cannot pretend to be impartial about the colours. I rejoice with the brilliant ones, and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.
~Winston Churchill :)

A tree of virtuous blossom, virtuous timber, and rather less virtuous fruit, except for the purposes of cherry brandy.
~ Jane Grigson [1958]

* ----------------------------- *

Cherry
(Prunus avium - wild cherry)

In Japan, since 400's CE, the cheerful tradition of Hanami - picnicking under cherry trees - continues to this day. Whereas initially it was a custom of the Imperial Court, it eventually became popular with all people and a multitude of trees were planted.

It is believed this tree was cultivated in Egypt 600-700 BC. The Greeks and Romans used the cherry tree and its fruit, and wrote about it.

The wild cherry in the United Kingdom used to be sold in London on the branch. It was used for making cherry brandy. The sticky resin from the trunk can be chewed as a chewing gum.

Romania, the US, Germany and Italy are leaders in the production of cherries, either for fresh fruit or for preserves, canning, confections and distilleries for brandies and liqueurs.

The wild cherry is an hermaphrodite plant, which means it is self-fertilizing and pollinated with bees and other pollinators. The fruit stalks are astringent, used for tonics to treat cystitis, ,dyspepsia, and anemia. The resin from the trunk is used as an inhalant for coughs.

It is believed that flower petals are a direct communication from nature, encouraging us to link directly with its energy. As such, the wild cherry essence is calming for both the body and emotions.

~ * Cherry Brandy * ~

Loosely fill a preserving jar with cherries. If they are sour, sprinkle with a little muscovado sugar, then top up the jar with brandy. Latch the lid down tightly and shake the jar well. Turn it upside down every few days to keep the sugar from settling at the bottom. After three months, strain and bottle. Enjoy at your leisure.

Sources:
The Romantic Language Of Flowers [Davies;Saunders]
Glorious Harvest [Bianchini; Corbetta]
Food For Free ... guide to edible species [R. Mabey]
The Flower Healer : Flower Essence Medicine For Healing [B. Olive]

* ----------------------------- *

The Winston Churchill quote made me smile, so I had to include it here. I love the colour Chocolate (as well as the real yummy chocolate).

I'm hoping Sir Churchill would have changed his mind if he had seen this image ... Captured in natural light; uncropped ... an edit to the colour, adding a tone of Chocolate ... nature in all its splendour;)

* ----------------------------- *

♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :

Pictures For Present
Phenomenal Club

Uploaded

May 4th, 2017

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