Category: Fruits
🤔 What Are Cherries?
Cherries are small, round stone fruits that grow on trees and are known for their vibrant red or deep purple color. They come in two main types: sweet, which are typically eaten fresh, and sour (or tart), which are most often used in cooking, baking, and preserves.
Quick Reference Card
| Condition | Ideal Storage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Cherries (unwashed) | Refrigerator: 0-4°C (32-39°F) | 5-7 days |
| Pitted Cherries | Refrigerator: 0-4°C (32-39°F) | 2-3 days |
| Frozen | Freezer: -18°C (0°F or below) | 10-12 months |
The Triple-S Method
Master the three essential steps for food success:
🛒 SHOP SMART: Selection Guide
- Look for plump, firm, and shiny cherries.
- Bright green and flexible stems are a key sign of freshness.
- Avoid cherries that are soft, bruised, or have dry, brown stems.
Appearance
Choose cherries with deep, rich color for their variety (e.g., deep red for Bing, bright red and yellow for Rainier). The skin should be smooth and glossy.
Smell
Fresh cherries have a faint, sweet aroma. If they smell fermented or sour, they are past their prime.
Texture
A fresh cherry should be firm to the touch. Softness or mushiness, especially near the stem, indicates that the fruit is beginning to spoil.
Common Varieties / Types
Cherries are broadly divided into two categories.
- Sweet Cherries (e.g., Bing, Rainier): These are best for eating fresh out of hand. Bing cherries are dark red and heart-shaped, while Rainier cherries are yellow with a red blush and are exceptionally sweet.
- Sour/Tart Cherries (e.g., Montmorency): These are typically too tart to eat raw. They are prized for their intense flavor in pies, jams, and sauces.
📅 Seasonal Buying Guide
North America (USA/Canada)
Cherry season is a celebrated but short period during the summer. It typically begins in late May and peaks from June through early August.
Europe
The European cherry season aligns with North America’s, running from late spring through the summer months, depending on the climate and variety.
Australia/New Zealand
In the Southern Hemisphere, fresh cherries are a popular Christmas treat, with their peak season running from November to January.
Tropical/Subtropical Regions
Cherries require a temperate climate with a chilling period and are not grown in tropical regions. They are available as a seasonal imported specialty fruit.
Seasonal Quality Variations
Cherries are best when bought in their local peak season. They will be juicier, sweeter, and more flavorful than imported, out-of-season cherries which can be less vibrant.
❄ STORE FRESH: Storage Guide
- Primary Method: Refrigerator, unwashed, for 5-7 days.
- Key Tip: Keep the stems on until you are ready to eat.
- Pitted Cherries: Refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Storage Method Details
Refrigerator (Whole): To maximize freshness, store cherries unwashed with their stems attached in a breathable bag or open container in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures are essential to slow their high respiration rate.
Refrigerator (Pitted): According to food safety guidelines, once cherries are pitted or cut, their shelf life decreases. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
Cherries are highly perishable due to their thin skin and high sugar content. Refrigeration slows down moisture loss and the enzymatic activity that leads to softening and decay, while the stem helps to seal the fruit.
Ethylene Production/Sensitivity
Cherries are not significant producers of ethylene gas, but they are sensitive to it. Store them away from high-ethylene producers like bananas and apples to prevent them from spoiling prematurely.
Revival Techniques
Slightly soft but unspoiled cherries can be used for cooking. They are perfect for making a quick compote or sauce to top ice cream or pancakes.
⚠ STAY SAFE: Food Safety Tips
- Max Time at Room Temp: 2 Hours
Understanding Food Safety Rules
The primary safety step is to wash cherries under cool, running water just before eating. Per FDA guidelines, do not leave cherries at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can encourage the growth of mold and spoilage bacteria.
Reheating Methods
Reheating is only applicable to cooked cherry dishes like pies or sauces.
Microwave
Reheat a slice of cherry pie for 30-45 seconds until warm.
Air Fryer
Works well to reheat cherry turnovers or hand pies at 160°C (325°F) for a few minutes.
Oven/Toaster Oven
The best way to reheat cherry pie or crumble. Cover with foil to prevent the crust from over-browning and warm at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.
Stovetop
Gently reheat cherry sauce or compote in a saucepan over low heat until it simmers.
Date Labels Explained
Fresh cherries do not have date labels. The FDA advises relying on the appearance of the fruit and stems, as well as its firmness and smell, to judge freshness.
Allergen Information
- Contains: None of the top 9 allergens.
- Cross-Reactivity: Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS).
Allergen Handling & Prevention
People with birch pollen allergies may experience Oral Allergy Syndrome, which causes an itchy mouth or throat after eating raw cherries. Cooking the cherries usually breaks down the protein responsible, making them safe to eat for those with OAS.
⚠ Special Safety Considerations
Cherry pits (stones) contain cyanogenic compounds which can release cyanide if crushed or chewed. Accidental swallowing of a whole pit is generally harmless, but they should not be intentionally eaten.
Pesticide Residue Information
Cherries can sometimes have higher pesticide residues. The FDA recommends washing them thoroughly under running water before eating to help remove surface contaminants.
🧊 Freezing & Thawing Guide
Freezing Effects & Preparation
Freezing softens the texture of cherries, but they retain their flavor exceptionally well. They are perfect for smoothies, sauces, and baking.
For the best result, the USDA suggests washing, stemming, and pitting the cherries before freezing. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from clumping together.
Recommended Thawing Methods
Thaw frozen cherries in the refrigerator for several hours or in the microwave on the defrost setting. For many baking recipes and smoothies, you can use them directly from frozen.
Not Recommended
The FDA warns against thawing cherries on the countertop. This can lead to a mushy texture and allows the fruit to sit in the temperature danger zone.
📊 Nutritional Information
Average values per 100g (approx. 3.5 oz) portion
- High in: Vitamin C, Antioxidants (Anthocyanins)
- Good source of: Potassium, Fiber
Cherry (Raw/Fresh)
- Calories: 63 kcal
- Protein: 1.1g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2.1g
Cherry (Cooked/Prepared)
- Calories: Varies greatly with added sugar (e.g., pie filling)
- Protein: 0.9g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g+
- Fiber: 1.8g
Key Nutrients & Their Benefits
- Antioxidants (Anthocyanins): These are the pigments that give cherries their deep red color. They have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are linked to reduced muscle soreness and protection against chronic diseases.
- Vitamin C: An essential antioxidant for a healthy immune system and vibrant skin.
- Potassium: Helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
Nutritional data is an estimate. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized advice.
🌎 Sustainability & Sourcing
Cherry orchards can support local biodiversity but can also be water-intensive. Conventional farming may involve significant pesticide use.
Choosing organic cherries or buying directly from local farms during their short summer season are the most sustainable options. This reduces your exposure to pesticides and minimizes the carbon footprint from long-distance transportation.
🔄 Substitutions & Alternatives
In fresh preparations, other stone fruits like small plums or pluots can be used. In baked goods, other berries like blueberries or raspberries can often be substituted.
Dried cherries can be replaced with cranberries or raisins, though the flavor will be different.
🔪 Recommended Tools
A cherry pitter is a highly recommended gadget that makes removing the stones quick and easy, especially if you are processing a large quantity for pies or freezing.
💡 Pro Tips
♻ Waste Reduction
Don’t throw away the cherry pits. You can wash them, dry them, and sew them into a small cloth bag to create a natural heating pad that can be warmed in the microwave.
✨ How to Revive It
If your cherries are slightly soft but not spoiled, they are perfect for cooking. Simmer them with a little sugar and a splash of lemon juice to create a simple, delicious sauce for yogurt, ice cream, or waffles.
❓ FAQ
A: You can use a sturdy straw, a chopstick, or the tip of a piping nozzle to push the pit through the cherry. Another common trick is to use a partially unfolded paperclip.
A: Generally, yes. For most varieties like Bing, a deeper, darker red or mahogany color indicates a higher sugar content and a richer flavor.
A: No, the stems are tough, woody, and inedible and should be removed before eating the fruit.
A: Cherry pits contain amygdalin, which can turn into cyanide if the pit is crushed or chewed. However, swallowing one or two whole pits by accident is harmless as they will pass through your system intact.
A: Sweet cherries are larger and firmer, ideal for eating raw. Sour cherries are smaller, softer, and have a very tart flavor that is best when cooked with sugar in pies, jams, and sauces.
A: Sour cherries are very delicate and have an extremely short shelf life, making them difficult to ship. They are most often found frozen, canned, or at farmers’ markets during their brief summer season.
A: No, you should only wash cherries right before you plan to eat them. Washing them beforehand adds moisture which can cause them to mold and spoil faster in the refrigerator.
A: Yes, Rainier cherries are a distinct variety known for their yellow skin with a red blush. They are one of the sweetest types of cherries.
A: Some studies suggest that tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Drinking tart cherry juice may help improve sleep quality for some individuals.
A: You can, but it is not recommended. It is much easier to pit them before freezing, and it makes them ready to use in recipes as soon as they are thawed.