Cherries, whether dried or fresh, are prized for their sweet-tangy flavor and their versatility in the kitchen. Cherries are also a surprisingly good source of antioxidants.
Whether fresh or dried, cherries make for delicious and healthy eating.
Selection
Fresh cherries come in two varieties, sweet, such as deep-red Bing and golden Ranier, and sour, such as Montmorency. Except for golden varieties, darker cherries are sweeter than lighter ones. Choose fresh cherries that are firm and plump, with no scrapes or bruises. Be sure the stem is still attached.
Dried cherries are generally made from sweet Bing cherries; tart varieties, however, can also be dried. Though shriveled, they should look glossy.
Storage
Fresh cherries will keep in the refrigerator crisper drawer for a few days. For longer storage of sweet cherries, remove the stems and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet; transfer when frozen to freezer bags or containers. Sour cherries can be canned in syrup.
Store dried cherries, unopened, for about 18 months.
Growing Season
Sweet cherries are harvested in the United States from early May to the middle of August; sour cherries from the middle of June to late August.
Uses
Sweet cherries are best eaten out of hand or dried. Sour cherries are the best choice for pies. Dried cherries are excellent eaten by themselves or used in muffins, crumbles and pancakes.
Antioxidant Benefits
Researchers at the University of Michigan have determined that tart cherries contain more than 14 compounds, some of which give cherries their bright red color and are excellent sources of antioxidants. These compounds are present in the skin and juice of the cherries. Dried cherries will contain fewer compounds because of their dehydrated nature.
Other Facts
Drying causes a loss of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Before fresh cherries are dried, they are often dipped in an ascorbic acid solution.
According to the University of California Agricultural Issues Center, the states of Michigan, Utah, New York and Washington produce the most tart cherries. For sweet cherries, Washington, California and Oregon lead the nation.
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