Cherry Facts and Tips

Below are some helpful tips, facts and a recipe about those delicious cherries that will be ripe on the tree before you know it.

• Look for a supple exterior and a bright color. Keep them dry and discard any crushed fruit .
  Advertisement

  
  

• Avoid cherries with blemishes, rotted or mushy skins, or those that appear either hard and light-colored or soft, shriveled, and dull.

• Look for cherries that are plump with firm, smooth, and brightly colored skins. *Good quality cherries should have green stems attached.

• Cherries do not ripen further after harvest.

• Cherries bruise easily; handle with care.

• Both the sweet and sour types should be refrigerated as soon as possible, although the sweets are more durable. Chilling not only preserves, but also seems to improve the flavor.

• Raw sweet cherries: 1 cup contains 81 calories, and is a source of Vitamin C and potassium.

• Rinse in cool water and drain, in a single layer, on paper towel.

• Both sweet and sour can be made into jams, preserves or brandied.

• Rich in bio-flavonoids and ellagic acid. Studies show cherries to be a good source of antioxidants and darker cherries will have higher levels than red/yellow ones.
  Advertisement

  
  

• Fat-free, Saturated fat-free, Sodium-free,Cholesterol-free, A good source of fiber.

A Quick Cherry Snack Recipe

• 1 cup dried tart cherries
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 cup smoked almonds
• 1 cup honey roasted peanuts

Mix all together for a great snack.