Cherries are back! These delectable fruits will only be here now through August, so get them while they last! Cherries are scientifically known as a Prunus avium and as a fleshy drupe. Don’t worry, I had to look up that last one too. A drupe is any simple fruit with a fleshy layer and a single seed or pit inside. Other drupes include peaches and olives. Beyond having funny names and being tasty, cherries should also capture your attention for their health benefits. Read on to find out why cherries are a nutrient powerhouse!

Nutrition and Health Benefits

From pies to chapstick, the iconic shape and flavor of cherries will go down in history as one of the most famous and culturally relevant fruits of all time. They both look and taste great, but did you know that’s not their only talent? Cherries are nutritional powerhouses, with loads of health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their deep red color and help reduce inflammation. Additionally, cherries are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They also contain melatonin, which can help regulate sleep patterns. They deliver all that, and only at the cost of 77 calories per cup. What’s not to love? Not only that but there are multiple varieties of cherries for you to explore and enjoy:

• Bing Cherries: Known for their deep red color and sweet taste, Bing cherries are a favorite for snacking.
• Rainier Cherries: These are yellow with a red blush and are prized for their exceptional sweetness and delicate flavor.
• Tart Cherries: Often used in baking and cooking, tart cherries add a delightful tang to pies, jams, and sauces.

Follow these tips for selecting and storing to get the most out of your cherries:

• Selecting: Look for cherries that are firm, plump, and have a glossy skin. The stems should be green and fresh-looking.
• Storing: Keep cherries in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They are best consumed within a few days of purchase. For longer storage, consider freezing them—just pit and spread them out on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.

Cherries make a fantastic snack eaten fresh out of the basket, but if you want more ways to include them in your diet that aren’t just in pies, check out our set of cherry-centric recipes below!

Recipes

Cherry Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted cherries
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• A handful of spinach (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Enjoy as a refreshing and nutritious breakfast or snack.

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Fresh Cherry Salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the cherries, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

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Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the cherries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Cook until the cherries are softened and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the cherry balsamic glaze.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.

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Cherry Oat Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Press about 2/3 of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
4. In another bowl, toss the chopped cherries with the sugar and cornstarch. Spread the cherry mixture over the crust.
5. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the cherries.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.