Cheering for 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.
Cherry Nutrition
Cherries are among the list of fruits containing the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. Cherries contain important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times as much as blueberries or strawberries!) vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.
Cherries also are a rich source of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant known for regulating the body's natural sleep cycle and helping to promote restful sleep. The cherry fruits are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. They are also a very good source of fiber and Vitamin C.
Cherries Aid Detox
Cherries contain natural aspirin that helps detoxify inflammation-related substances in the body's tissues and joints. Cherries also contain pectin, which helps to clean up heavy metals, synthetic chemicals disguised as food additives, cholesterol, and buildup in the intestines.
Cherry Nutritional Facts
Use pitted sweet cherries in yogurt, desserts, or even as a sweet topping for grilled meat.
Cooking Tip: To pit several cherries at once, place them in a zip-top bag and roll over them gently with a rolling pin so they split. Remove from the bag, pluck out pits, and enjoy this fruit so rich in antioxidants.
Cherry fruit extract contains antioxidant flavanoids and are used in many tablets and capsules. These capsules are used to support the pH levels of the body.
