NUTRITION

  1. Cherries are a good source of potassium. Increasing evidence shows that a diet rich in potassium may help to control blood pressure and reduce the risk for hypertension and stroke.
  2. Cherries are a source of melatonin. Melatonin is an effective means for reducing jet lag and promoting overall healthy sleep patterns.
  3. Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties which studies suggest may help to control arthritis and gout.
  4. Cherries contain antioxidants. Antioxidants found in cherries may help to reduce the risk of cancer.
  5. Cherries contain antioxidants. Studies show that the antioxidants found in cherries may help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
  6. Cherries are a healthy snack. A serving size of 21 cherries has less than 100 calories.
  7. The anthocyanins found in cherries may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

BEVERAGES

 

Cherry-Berry Smoothie

Yield: 4 12oz servings
3 cups frozen pitted dark sweet cherries (unsweetened)
3 cups frozen whole strawberries (unsweetened)
3 cups cran-cherry juice

 

Cherry MargaritaCherryMarg-011.jpg

Yield: 2 Servings
1 cup pitted and halved fresh sweet cherries
1/4 cup tequila
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
2 cups crushed ice, divided
Lime juice
Kosher salt
2 sweet cherries with stems

Cherry Lemon Cooler

Yield: 4 servings
3 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh sweet cherries, halved and pitted
1 cup fresh lemon juice, refrigerated
Crushed ice
1 bottle (1 liter) club soda or seltzer
fresh sweet cherries with stems
4 long stems fresh mint



Preserving Cherries

Refrigerate your cherries immediately after purchase. Cherries can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for several days. Avoid placing cherries in the sun or warm areas, they soften quickly.

 

Drying Sweet Cherries

Select firm, ripe fresh sweet cherries.
Wash, cut in half, and remove stems and pits. Place cherries, skin side down, in single layers on dehydrator trays. Dry cherries at 140° F for 6 to 12 hours, being careful not to over-dry; cherries should be leathery and slightly sticky when properly dried.
To store, place in small plastic bags, seal and keep in dark, dry, cool place. Dried cherries are a great substitute for raisins or dried currants in recipes and as a snack.

 

Freezing Sweet Cherries

Yield: 3 - 5 pounds
3 to 5 pounds of Cherries
Work with small amounts (3 to 5 pounds) of fresh sweet cherries to allow for quick handling and freezing. Select firm, ripe sweet cherries.
Rinse and drain cherries thoroughly. Pack according to preferred method and freeze immediately.

Method 1
Whole with stems: Spread cherries with stems intact in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm. Pack into freezer-proof containers or plastic freezer bags; remove excess air, cover or fasten tightly and freeze.