Cherries
Cherry - one of America's favorite flavors!
Most of the cherries in the U.S. come from Michigan's approximately 35,000 acres of tart cherry trees. Michigan grows almost 75 percent of the tart cherries produced in the U.S. In fact, Traverse City, Michigan is called the Cherry Capital of the World. Sweet cherries are grown in large numbers in Washington.
Choose firm, red cherries with stems, which prolong their shelf life. Avoid cherries that are soft or have brown spots.
Rinse cherries carefully in cool water before eating. Eat cherries plain or in salads, or use them cooked in pies, tarts, cakes, jellies, jams, preserves, sauces, pickles and candies. Use cherries as a garnish, in toppings, and in sauces for pork, poultry, fish and beef. Always add them last in the cooking process.
Try to keep your cherries out of the sun. As temperatures rise, cherries become limp, and the stems will turn brown and shrivel. Remember, you can freeze cherries in airtight containers for up to one year.
Cherries do not ripen after harvest. They are very perishable, so refrigerate them immediately after purchase. Cherries can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days.
