Cherries

How to select

Choose red, firm cherries with intact stems. Avoid cherries that are soft or shriveled.

How to prepare

Wash cherries in a colander and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
To pit a cherry, use either a sharp paring knife or a cherry pitter (much easier).
Cherries can also be eaten off the stem and the pits spit out.

How to store

Store cherries unwashed in the coldest part of the fridge for up to 10 days.

Peak season

Spring

Ways to use

Make your own cherry preserves.
Bake cherries into healthy desserts.
Add cherries to salads for a pop of color.
Combine cherries with other fruits like bananas in a smoothie.
Eat whole cherries as a quick snack.

Fun facts

Cherries are named after the town Cerasus in Turkey.
The first cherry trees in the Northwest were planted in Oregon in 1847.
The Lincoln variety of cherry is named after Abraham Lincoln.
It was once illegal to top cherry pie with ice cream in Kansas.

Nutrition info and facts

Cherries are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can decrease the risk of chronic disease. Eating cherries can improve athletic performance and decrease muscle soreness.

1 cup cherries = 97 calories, 25 g carbohydrate, 2 g protein, 3 g fiber, 18% DV vitamin C, 10% DV potassium, 5% DV copper, 5% DV manganese