Cherry

You know summer is approaching when the fruit and veg section of your local supermarket becomes overrun with fresh seasonal fruits! The arrival of cherries marks the end of the cold weather and the beginning of warmer longer days.

Cherries grow in clusters high on trees and are in season from mid-June to mid-September. They are commonly thought of like a berry but are actually a drupe (a stone fruit). Most cherries start off green and turn a deep red colour as they ripen. Other less common varieties have golden or yellow coloured skin.

They are commonly used in desserts, added to smoothies and juices, jam or enjoyed as a snack on their own! They are also a common flavouring for sweets, liqueurs, ice cream, and jelly.

Cherry Recipes

1. Cherry Pie – The American classic is best served warm with a side of whipped cream or ice cream.
2. Black Forest Gâteau – A super delicious and impressive-looking cake. Its made up of chocolate sponge cake with a rich cherry filling and whipped cream!
3. Clafoutis – A French dessert traditionally made with fresh cherries marinaded in cherry liqueur, beautifully arranged in a shallow dish and covered with a thick batter.
4. Cherry Jubilee – Created to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Its made with, flambéed and served as a sauce over vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information of Cherries

Cherries are high in vitamin C, potassium, fibre, and other important nutrients.

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid). It helps your body to repair tissue, mentioning collagen, iron absorption, and wound healing. Vitamin C also can maintain cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Potassium can also help regulate blood pressure, muscle contraction, nerve function.

Cherries also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals, which can damage your cells and contribute to ageing and diseases, such as cancer.

there are about 63 calories per 100g of cherries.