What’s in Season: Cherries
Growing up, one of my favorite childhood memories is participating in the ever-so-ladylike sport of cherry pit spitting. My family would line up on the edge of the deck with a bowl of succulent cherries and measure our self-worth by whether or not we could beat the reigning champion, my mother. Although I never could live up to my mother’s pit-spitting prowess, those piles of cherries eaten on hot summer days provided my growing body with important nutrients.
Cherry Health Benefits
- One cup of cherries contains only 87 calories.
- Researchers have shown a link between cherry consumption and reduced belly fat.
- Cherries can help combat gout and osteoarthritis.
- The natural fiber found in cherries is good for digestion and weight management.
- Cherries protect against strokes, high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits of cherries help ease soreness in joints and muscles.
- Drinking cherry juice may help improve sleep quality.
- Cherries contain 16% of your recommended daily vitamin C.
Cherry Facts
- Tart cherries are perfect for pies and preservatives.
- Sweet cherries are delicious on their own.
- Tart cherries are more resistant to cold weather, while sweet cherries prefer mild, dry climates.
- Approximately 75% of sweet cherries in the country are sold at fresh markets and 25% are processed.
- Michigan, Utah and Washington are the top cherry producing states in the country.
- The United States is the largest exporter of cherries in the world.
See more: What’s in Season: Limes
Whether you are enjoying them baked in a pie, canned, juiced, frozen, blended into a smoothie, or are just eating them to bring honor to your family with your pit-spitting abilities, cherries are a delicious choice.
Looking for a way to use more cherries in the kitchen? Check out some of our favorite cherry recipes below:
Cherry Recipes:
Classic Cherry Pie
Miniature Black Forest Bundt Cakes
Cherries and Nuts Snack Mix
Sources: stemilt.com, bakingbites.com, agmrc.org