Cherries: How to Select, Store and Serve

Cherries

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Cherries were brought to North America by English colonists in the 1600s, and thank goodness for that! Could you imagine summer without cherries? Is life without cherry pie really life at all?!

If you can’t tell, we’re big fans of cherries around here! Rainier, Chelan, Bing…we love them all. And really, what’s not to love? They’re sweet, juicy and provide our bodies with all sorts of nutrients. Cherries contain powerful antioxidants, including melatonin which supports restful sleep. Cherries also contain anti-inflammatory compounds, carotenoids, fiber, and vitamin C.

how to store cherries

How to Select Cherries

  • Sweet, red cherries: look for firm cherries that have a deep red color.
  • Rainier cherries: are red and yellow and will be less firm than red cherries. A pink hue signals more sun exposure, meaning a sweeter flavor.
  • Avoid cherries that are shriveled, wrinkled, or soft.

How to Store Cherries

  • Refrigerator cherries as soon as possible. 
  • Place them in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
  • To make cherries last longer, do not wash them until right before eating.
  • You can stretch cherry season by freezing them. Here are detailed instructions on how to freeze cherries.

How to Serve Cherries

Here are some cherry recipes we know you’ll love! We sure do.

Fresh Spinach, Avocado, Rainier Cherry and Feta Salad With Cherry Dijonnaise Dressing
Fresh Spinach, Avocado, Rainier Cherry and Feta Salad With Cherry Dijonnaise Dressing
Cherry Lemon Cooler
Cherry Lemon Cooler
Cherry Bruschetta
Cherry Bruschetta
Cherry & Cantaloupe Salad with Minted Spring Mix
Cherry & Cantaloupe Salad with Minted Spring Mix
Baked French Toast with Cherry Topping
Baked French Toast with Cherry Topping
Duck with Cherry Herb Sauce
Cherry Herb Sauce over Duck
Microwave Cherry Cobbler
Microwave Cherry Cobbler

 

For even more cherry recipes, be sure to follow The Produce Mom’s cherry Pinterest board!

Do you have a favorite cherry recipe? Please share in the comments below! 

About Lori

Lori Taylor is the Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms. For ten years she sold fresh produce to over 300 grocery stores throughout the United States, and today she is fully focused on working with the produce supply chain, media, and government to increase fresh produce access & consumption in the US and around the globe. Connect with Lori on LinkedIn.

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