A 2006 review concluded that there was no link between omega-3 fatty acids consumption and cancer. This is similar to the findings of a review of studies up to February 2002 that failed to find clear effects of long and shorter chain omega-3 fats on total risk of death, combined cardiovascular events and cancer.
The cultivated forms are of the species sweet cherry (P. avium) to which most cherry cultivars belong, and the sour cherry (P. cerasus), which is used mainly for cooking. Both species originate in Europe and western Asia; they do not cross-pollinate.
How To Choose. Of course, the best way to know whether cherries are worth buying is to taste one, if your farmers' market vendor or grocery store provides samples. But here are some other rules of thumb: Sweet red cherries: Depth of color is more important than the particular shade of red. Look for fruits with deep, dark saturation.