Cherry season is upon us! The season typically runs from late May to August, with different harvest seasons for sweet and sour cherries and location. Peak season for most Midwest varieties is June to July.
A hidden treasure of nature, cherries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibers. Cherries are grouped according to taste into sweet and tart/sour types. Within each of these groups, cherries are classified on the basis of the color and firmness of their flesh. Sour cherries and sweet cherries are rich in anthocyanins and quercetin, antioxidants which play a role in reducing total body inflammation, contribute to heart health, and help fight free radicals. As a good source of vitamins A and C, they help to strengthen the body’s defenses and improve overall health. Studies have also shown that tart cherry juice may soothe sore muscles, speed recovery after working out, and help with sleep. A cup of cherries pack three grams of fiber and 87 calories (tart cherries).
Most people think of sweet desserts like cherry pie when they think of using cherries in recipes, but cherries can be used in savory dishes, too. In addition to fresh cherries, cherries are readily available dried, canned, frozen, freeze-dried and as juice; all can be used in a variety of ways.
Here are some ideas, beyond sweets, of ways to include cherries in our diet:
- Add frozen cherries to a smoothie for breakfast
- Add tart cherry juice to a smoothie for a post-workout recovery drink
- Add dried or fresh cherries to oatmeal, yogurt, or salads
- Eat a handful of dried cherries for a snack or add them to a snack mix
- Use fresh or frozen cherries and/or cherry juice in sauces.
If there is an abundance of cherries, cherries preserve exceptionally well. They can be canned, frozen, or dried or made into pie filling or jam. Cherries should be preserved soon after picking. When preserving, choose freshly harvested cherries with a deep uniform color and a firm flesh. Stem and wash the cherries just before using. Remove pits for the desired preservation method or use. If pitted, drop cherries in a solution of 1 tsp. powdered ascorbic acid per gallon of water to prevent discoloration. Drain fruit before processing. If unpitted, prick skins on opposite sides with a clean needle to prevent splitting. How to Preserve Cherries provides tested recipes and methods for preserving cherries.
February is National Cherry Month which seems odd given cherries are a summer fruit. Here’s some fun facts about cherries and why they are celebrated in February:
- George Washington’s February birthday is an annual reminder of the tale of our first President admitting to his father that he chopped down a cherry tree on the family farm. The folklore tale has forever linked Washington and cherries to February.
- Cherry trees come to life in February in Washington DC signaling the coming of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in late March and early April when thousands of trees and millions of cherry blossoms provide a spectacular sight for approximately a few days to two weeks. The annual celebration started in 1912 when the people of Japan sent 3,000 cherry trees to the people of the United States to celebrate friendship between the two nations.
- February is National Heart Month and Valentine’s Day. Because a single cherry looks a bit like a little heart, significant of both, it seems only appropriate that the cherry be celebrated, too. Cherries can contribute to heart health due to their rich nutrients that help regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and potentially lower cholesterol levels, all of which are important for cardiovascular well-being.
Some additional fun facts about cherries:
- It takes about 250 cherries to make a cherry pie. The average cherry tree grows about 7000 cherries each year which is enough to make about 28 pies. It takes 30-40 bees to pollinate one tree.
- 70% of all the tart cherries produced in the US are grown in the northwest region of lower Michigan known as the Cherry Capitol of the World. Washington is the top sweet cherry producer in the country and second in the world.
- Cherries are not a native American fruit; they were brought to this country with the French settlers in the early 17th century (1606).
- Cherries can be harvested using mechanical tree shakers in seven seconds.
- In general, the darker the cherry, the sweeter its flavor but there are exceptions such as yellow cherry varieties.
- Cherries contain a small pit inside which classifies them as a stone fruit. Cherry pits can be used in pellet stoves to heat homes.
- Cherries are one of the few natural sources for melatonin, which can help regulate sleep cycles.
As cherries come into season, stock up while they are ripe for the picking. Life can be made better with a bowl of cherries!
Sources:
How to Preserve Cherries, Utah State University
Health Benefits of Cherries, WebMD
Facts for Cherries, Washington State Department of Agriculture
