The Lost History of the Bing Cherry

Source: Photo by Irina Iriser from Pexels

Do you know the history behind America’s most produced cherry? Characterized as the sweet, dark red, heart-shaped fruit; the Bing Cherry plays an important role in honoring our AAPI community.

Migrating from China in 1855, Ah Bing worked as a foreman for the Lewelling Family’s orchards in Milwaukie, Oregon. While living in the United States for 35 years, Ah Bing worked hard every day to provide for his wife and children back home.

As he supervised more than thirty men, Bing also worked with Seth Lewelling himself. They were seen grafting, propagating, and caring for trees which led Bing and Lewelling to one tree in particular. One day, when supervising a row of cherry trees, Bing came across a new type of cherry.

Seth Lewelling. Source: Wikipedia

Astonished by this unique fruit, Bing and Lewelling were brainstorming new names. Though someone suggested Lewelling’s name, he opposed this idea and believed it was right for Ah Bing to take it. Other stories have also suggested that back in 1875, Ah Bing’s care of the “Black Republican” cherry seedlings resulted in the growing of the Bing Cherry.

This led to many successes in the economy, but unfortunately created a downfall for Ah Bing himself. Working during the time of the anti-Chinese riots, Ah Bing and many other Chinese farmworkers were at risk of losing everything. He returned to China for a visit to his family, only to be told that he was unable to come back to the U.S.

The Chinese Exclusion Act affected his opportunities forever, alongside many other Chinese migrants during this time. However, his legacy will continue to thrive, and his hard work won’t ever be forgotten.