The history of cherries can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Cherries are believed to have originated in the area around the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, and were known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. In fact, the Romans are credited with spreading the cherry throughout Europe and England.

During the 1600s, cherries were introduced to North America by the French colonists who settled in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence regions. The first cherry orchard in America was planted in northern Michigan in the 1850s. Today, Michigan is one of the largest producers of cherries in the world.

There are two main types of cherries: sweet cherries and sour cherries. Sweet cherries, also known as dessert cherries, are typically eaten fresh and are commonly used in baked goods. Sour cherries, also known as tart cherries, are primarily used for canning and preserving, and are also used in baked goods.

Cherries have long been valued for their health benefits, which include high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential benefits for heart health and exercise recovery. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

In addition to their culinary and health benefits, cherries have also played a role in popular culture, appearing in everything from paintings to music to literature. One famous example is the song “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White,” which was a hit in the 1950s.

The Composition And Calorie Content Of Cherries

The Benefits Of Cherries

Cherries are low in calories and chock full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and other good-for-you ingredients. You’ll get vitamins C, A, and K. Each long-stemmed fruit delivers potassium, magnesium, and calcium too. They also bring antioxidants, like beta-carotene, and the essential nutrient choline.

The Side Effects Of Cherries

Cherries are a natural source of salicylates, which some people may be sensitive to. Eating a lot of cherries may lead to diarrhea, gas, or bloating for those who have a salicylate sensitivity,” cautions Leah Johnston, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian at SRW.

The Use Of Cherries In Medicine

Cherries have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. Here are some examples of how cherries have been used in medicine:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Cherries contain compounds called anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes cherries a potential natural remedy for reducing inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and gout.
2. Pain relief: Cherries have been shown to have pain-relieving properties, which may be due to their ability to reduce inflammation. Some studies have found that drinking cherry juice can reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery after exercise.
3. Sleep aid: Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Drinking cherry juice or eating cherries before bedtime may help improve sleep quality and duration.
4. Blood pressure control: Some studies suggest that cherries may help lower blood pressure. This may be due to their high levels of potassium, which can help counteract the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure.
5. Cancer prevention: Some research has suggested that the anthocyanins in cherries may have anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to confirm this potential benefit.

It’s important to note that while cherries may have potential medicinal benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a medical condition, always consult with your healthcare provider before using cherries or any other natural remedy.

The Use Of Cherries In Cooking

Cherries are a versatile and delicious fruit that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from sweet to savory. Here are some popular ways to use cherries in cooking:

1. Desserts: Sweet cherries are commonly used in desserts, such as pies, tarts, and cakes. They can also be used to make jams, preserves, and compotes.
2. Salads: Cherries can add a sweet and tart flavour to salads. Try adding them to a spinach salad with goat cheese and toasted pecans, or to a quinoa salad with feta cheese and arugula.
3. Sauces: Cherries can be used to make a flavourful sauce for meats, such as pork or duck. Cherry sauce can also be used as a topping for ice cream or cheesecake.
4. Beverages: Cherries can be used to make refreshing beverages, such as cherry lemonade, cherry limeade, or cherry smoothies. They can also be used to make cocktails, such as cherry margaritas or cherry mojitos.
5. Savory dishes: Sour cherries can be used to add a tangy flavour to savory dishes, such as roasted chicken or lamb. They can also be used to make a sauce for savory dishes, such as cherry balsamic glaze.

Overall, cherries are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re making a sweet dessert or a savory main course, cherries are sure to add a burst of flavor to your dishes.

Quick Cherry And Almond Strudel

It takes a lot of effort and time to prepare a traditional strudel, but the recipe can be greatly accelerated. Use pita bread, and this will avoid the tedious fuss with the dough. Starch can be replaced with a few tablespoons of ground crackers

Wash the cherries, tear off the stems and remove the pits. Cover the berries with sugar. After the cherry starts up the juice, it must be drained into a separate container – it is not used in this recipe. Pour the berry without juice with starch and mix.

Beat the egg with vanilla sugar and a spoonful of milk. Brush one side of the pita bread with the mixture. Put the cherries with starch on the dry side of the pita bread, smooth and roll up a tight roll. Lay it seam side down. Top the roll with the rest of the egg mixture and bake in a preheated oven to 180 degrees. It will take about 20-25 minutes to bake.

Before serving, sprinkle the strudel with powdered sugar and let it cool slightly. Cut into portions and serve with a scoop of ice cream.

Vareniki With Cherries

One of the most famous cherry recipes. To simplify modeling, you can use special “molds” for modeling dumplings. Dumplings can be made in reserve and frozen

Beat the egg with a pinch of salt, mix with water. Next, pour all the flour on the table in a slide, make a hole in the centre and pour in the egg mixture. Mix with flour, gradually collecting it from the edges to the centre. Wrap the finished dough in a bag and leave to lie down at room temperature for half an hour. After getting it, knead it again and put it back in the bag for 15 minutes.

Wash the cherries, remove the pits and sprinkle the berries with sugar. The berry will release juice, it needs to be drained.

Divide the dough into several pieces, roll each one separately so that it does not have time to dry out and crack. Wrap the dough that is not rolled out now in a bag.

Roll out a piece of dough into a thin layer of about 2 mm. Cut circles with a glass, put a few cherries in the centre. Fold the circle in half, pinch the edges and set aside the finished dumpling on a floured surface.

Such a number of dumplings should be cooked in 2-3 litres of water. Bring it to a boil, put the dumplings one at a time and stir occasionally so that they do not stick together. After the dumplings rise to the surface, cook over low heat for another 4 minutes.

After the water boils again and the dumplings float, reduce the heat and cook for 3-4 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

How To Choose And Store Cherries

Proper storage is important for keeping cherries fresh and delicious. Here are some tips for storing cherries:

1. Refrigerate: Cherries should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Place them in a plastic bag or airtight container, and store them in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the crisper drawer.
2. Don’t wash until ready to eat: Cherries should not be washed until you are ready to eat them. Washing them before storage can cause them to spoil faster.
3. Remove any damaged or moldy cherries: Check your cherries regularly and remove any that are damaged or moldy. One bad cherry can cause the others to spoil faster.
4. Store away from strong-smelling foods: Cherries can easily absorb strong odors, so it’s best to store them away from foods with strong odors, such as onions and garlic.
5. Use within a few days: Cherries are best eaten within a few days of purchase. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them. To freeze cherries, rinse them, remove the stems, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cherries stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

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