Spring Ingredient Essentials: Cherries

Cherries aren’t just bright red, sweet and delicious, they are a superfruit! Clocking in at under 90 calories per cup raw, cherries bring 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein and a slew of antioxidants along with their summer loving flavor. Both sweet and tart cherries are rich in Vitamins C, E and A, beating out strawberries and blueberries nearly 20 times over. Tart cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, which means a restful night’s sleep.Throw in some potassium, iron and magnesium for good measure and cherries come out on top as a tiny, flavorful fruit that packs one helluva punch!

How do I pick the best cherries?

Cherries come in an array of colors from a bright, deep red to white and all of the shades in between. When picking cherries up at the store, look for fruit that is firm with shiny skin. Cherries should be plump and have bright, green stems if still attached. Color isn’t a good indicator of ripeness since there is such a large variety of cherry types and colors, so stick to feel and stem state. Steer clear from cherries or bags with cherries that are bruised, soft, or have brown spots and/or stems. Remember to choose wisely since cherries do not ripen after they are picked. And if you are lucky enough to be picking cherries at a farm, keep all of these tips in mind. 

What can I make with cherries?

It’s easy to jump to sweets when you think of summer cherries, but these little fruits have moved beyond the traditional pies, tarts, and jubilees of yesteryear. Crisps, cobblers, chutneys, and compotes now compete with cherry reductions, smoky jams, bruschetta, spicy ketchup and stuffed roast pork loins. Whether you get sweet Bing cherries or tart Rainer cherries, the sky is the limit on what you can make with them. Let your imagination run wild!

Storage? Fresh cherries will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge. Since they are so delicate and may absorb other flavors/odors from the fridge, pack them in an airtight container. For longer storage you may want to consider freezing your sweet cherries. Remove stems, rinse and drain cherries. Insert a toothpick where you removed the stem, move it around the pit and pop it out.  It’ll take a few tries to get the hang of it, but you’ll quickly become a pro. Transfer pitted cherries to a baking sheet in one even layer. When frozen, transfer to freezer-friendly containers or ziplock bags. Keeping fresh for 10-12 months, you’ll have cherries for smoothies, pies, crumbles and more that are ready whenever you are! 

Recipes to try include: Arroz con Coco, Perfect Summer Sangria , and “La Batalla” Rhubarb Margarita.