In a remarkable archaeological find, officials at Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington, have announced the discovery of 27 more bottles containing cherries and assorted berries that were stored over 250 years ago in the basement of the mansion. This follows the earlier unearthing of two bottles in March, bringing the total count to 12 bottles of cherry remnants, 16 bottles of unidentified berries, and one bottle with a combination of cherries and berries.

Scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have examined samples and found that the fruit was likely washed before being preserved and sealed with cork, a process that contributed to its remarkable state of preservation. The preservation of the fruit may have been overseen by an enslaved worker known as "Doll," as suggested by a letter written by first lady Martha Washington.

Mount Vernon has assembled a team of experts including plant geneticists, microbiologists, archaeologists, and curators to further examine the historical and botanical significance of this find. They are particularly interested in exploring whether any of the seeds from the preserved fruit are still viable after two centuries, though the waterlogged state of the cherry pits poses a challenge.

The glass bottles, along with the previously discovered ones, were found in storage pits in the mansion's basement during archaeological work conducted as part of the mansion's renovation. Benjamin Gutierrez, a plant geneticist at the USDA, emphasized the historic significance of the discovery, stating that there are very few examples where fruit remains in such well-preserved condition.

The USDA scientists intend to collect DNA from the fruit remnants to determine the type of cherries and other chemical qualities present. Some of the cherry stem fragments suggest that the cherries may have been trimmed before being bottled, either after they were picked or during the preserving process.

Archaeologist Jason Boroughs acknowledged the contribution of Mount Vernon's enslaved individuals in planting the trees, trimming the stems, and preparing the fruit. He emphasized that this discovery allows them to explore the fruits of their labor and acknowledge the historical context of their bondage.

The fruit survived for centuries due to being tightly sealed in bottles, cleaned, and preserved in clay. The dense clay provided an almost airtight environment, protecting the fruit as the years passed. Mount Vernon had to purchase a large refrigerator to store the contents of the bottles after they were emptied, as the archaeological work uncovered an unexpectedly large amount of material.

Although the ground water or spring water found in the bottles may have seeped in over time, there is a possibility that the berries were packed in spring water, as suggested by a recipe. It is believed that the fruit was intended for consumption a few months after preservation.

As for the potential of germinating the seeds, Boroughs expressed excitement, noting that although it would not produce an exact replica of the original tree, it would reintroduce the strain of cherry that existed at that time. However, molecular biologist Victoria Meakem mentioned that the waterlogged state of the cherry pits may hinder germination.

While the possibility of some fruit growing is intriguing, Boroughs cautioned that the current climate, much warmer than in the late 18th century, may not be conducive to their thriving. The findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and highlight the enduring legacy of the historic Mount Vernon estate.

Brendan A. Niemira, a USDA research food microbiologist, examined the liquid from the bottles and determined it to be largely devoid of contaminants, further attesting to the preservation methods employed. The team of experts at Mount Vernon continues to study these ancient treasures to uncover more insights into the history, botany, and preservation techniques of the time period.