5 Reasons To Go Crazy For Cherries!

5 Reasons To Go Crazy For Cherries!

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Cherry pie, cherry cobbler, cherry bars, cherry jam, and cherry crumble – YUM! However, these scrumptious recipes aren't the only reasons you should be adding cherries to your grocery list this summer. Cherries are also chock-full of health benefits, and they are in season right now! The United States is the world's second-biggest producer of cherries, most being grown in Washington, California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Michigan. We are particularly passionate about the cherries grown by Starr Ranch® Growers – they consistently provide the same passion, expertise, and careful supervision to cherry growing that they give to growing their premium tasting and quality apples! Lucky for us, we can find them now at stores across the USA.

Here are five reasons to go crazy for cherries and here's the extra good news – these are all reasons to promote your good health!

Photo Courtesy of Starr Ranch® Growers

1. Vitamin A

Cherries actually contain 19 times more vitamin A than blueberries! Vitamin A helps to support your vision, immune system, reproduction, and helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs to function.

2. Melatonin aka "The Sleep Hormone"

Cherries are one of the few food sources that contain amounts of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep cycle and promote healthy sleep patterns. Feeling restless and out of whack? Snack on some cherries after dinner for a sweet, healthy, and sleep-promoting dessert!

Photo Courtesy of Starr Ranch® Growers

3. Low in Calories – High in Flavor!

The next time that snack-attack hits, grab a big handful of healthy cherries! Just one cup of cherries is only about 77 calories. Add fresh cherries to granola, cereal, yogurt, and just about any dessert recipe. Get the recipe for our delicious Fresh Cherry Crumble here.

4. Vitamin C rich!

One cup of cherries provides 25% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C! This will help keep your immune system strong and at its peak. This is especially helpful given the situation we've all been facing. A healthy immune system with high Vitamin C is paramount to our good health – and staying that way!

5. Super Superfruits

Cherries are so packed with anti-oxidants that these little burst of goodness are actually considered a "super fruit!" There's another good reason to just pop one in your mouth - raw or added to one of your favorite breakfasts, salads or desserts! And, they're even good for your tummy and help with digestion.

BONUS TIP: Cherries freeze well, so stock up on cherries this summer so you can enjoy your favorite cherry recipes all year long!

Photo Courtesy of Starr Ranch® Growers

Our friends at Starr Ranch® Growers have been growing farm-fresh fruit in the state of Washington for over 75 years! Prime orchard real estate in the lush Pacific Northwest grants Starr Ranch® Growers a long cherry season, typically lasting from May until August. Yeah - more opportunities for more delicious cherry recipes, all tasting fresh, sweet and just the right amount of tart. As one of the premier growers and shippers of sweet Northwest cherries, Starr Ranch® Growers moves an impressive 2.5 million cartons of cherries each year!

Comments



87 responses to “5 Reasons To Go Crazy For Cherries!”

  9. I love cherries, in pies, in yogurt, in salads, etc. The only problem is they are a heavier fruit and I have to budget for them during the season.

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  18. I love when cherries are in season. I love eating them whole, but also love using them in salads and desserts! Looks like there are some good recipes here.

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  19. We buy lots of cherries, but my families favorite is roasted pork with pineapple, cherries and brown sugar.

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  31. Love cherries. I never knew until today that you could freeze them. Are there any special tips for freezing them?
    I must be living under a rock because I also never saw a cherry pitter until I watched your video. I must get one!

    Reply

    • The cherry pitter is a game-changer for fresh cherries! Here’s how to freeze them: rinse and then pit the cherries. Pat them dry and place onto a lined baking sheet in your freezer for a couple of hours. Add to a freezer-safe bag and that’s it! Fresh cherries all year long! 🙂

      Reply

  37. Hello. Hope all is well in your corner of the world. Are your Starr Ranch Strawberry Cherries organic? Do you offer organic cherries / produce? Look forward to your response. Be blessed and Be well!

    Reply

    • Hi, Kathy! Thanks so much for reaching out to us about this. You’ll have to ask our friends at Starr Ranch® about that specific product, as we are not the grower – we just love their products! 🙂 You can reach them here: https://starranch.com/contact/

      Reply

  41. Absolutely love cherries. Any meal can be made with them for breakfast lunch and dinner and all will be delicious with star ranch cherries

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  42. Thanks for this amazing giveaway opportunity! I’d absolutely love to win! Your fruit looks delicious! Thanks again for this awesome opportunity!

    Reply

  51. I did not know all that about cherries! I think I am going to start buying more cherries from now on!

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  53. Hmmm…never thought of freezing cherries. They usually get gobbled up before I have an opportunity to think about storing them for any length of time. I wonder whether they should be pitted before freezing. Anyone know answer?

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  54. I love cherries my grandfather was a cherry farmer in Northern Michigan and I helped in the orchard growing up

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  57. Still Remember My Grandmother In The 1960`s ….Climbing Up The Cherry Tree On A Ladder… To Pick Cherries For…..Cherry Pie….And Cherry Preserves ~ Yum ~! Nee Nee`s Pies Were The Best ~!!!

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  58. Cherry pie is my favorite, but it’s good to know that cherries are good for me –going to get some today!

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  62. Love the freezing. I will definitely do this year. I love cherries. They are a must buy every year.

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  65. I love cherries!!! Many people do not realize the fresh taste of cherries…maybe donate cherries to individual teachers to share them with children in their classes.

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  67. I love fresh cherries, I eat them till the season ends, they’re delicious, nutritious and low calorie

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  69. Thanks for sharing.
    I wasn’t aware that Cherries provided a natural for of Melatonin.
    This is information that is definitely worth sharing.

    Reply

  70. I love cherries but my husband buys them by the ton he can not get enough of them! lol of course he doesn’t really buy a ton but he buys plenty, we eat them the way they are and I make all kinds of snacks with them!

    Reply

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