Given a finite graph $G$, we define the Ceresa period $α(G)$ as a tool for studying algebraic triviality of the tropical Ceresa cycle introduced by Zharkov. We show that $α(G) = 0$ if and only if $G$ is of hyperelliptic type; then a theorem of Corey implies that having $α(G) = 0$ is a minor-closed condition with forbidden minors $K_4$ and $L_3$.