The arrival of summer brings with it one of nature’s most anticipated delights: fresh, juicy cherries! At Whole Foods Market, we are thrilled to celebrate the peak season for these exquisite fruits, offering only the highest quality, plump, and incredibly sweet cherries available. Whether you prefer the deep, rich flavor of Bing cherries or the bright, tart notes of Rainier varieties, you’ll find the perfect selection to elevate your summer culinary adventures.
Embrace the Sweetness: Why Cherries Are a Summer Essential
Cherries are more than just a delicious snack; they are a versatile fruit that can transform any meal from breakfast to dinner with their natural sweetness and vibrant color. Their unique flavor profile makes them an exceptional addition to both sweet and savory dishes, offering a burst of freshness that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of summer.
The Remarkable Health Benefits of Cherries
Beyond their delightful taste, cherries are packed with an impressive array of health benefits. They are a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give cherries their distinctive red hue and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of cherries can help reduce muscle soreness, making them a favorite among athletes for post-workout recovery. They are also a good source of vitamins C and A, potassium, and fiber, contributing to overall well-being.
Studies suggest that cherries may aid in improving sleep quality due to their natural melatonin content, and their anti-inflammatory compounds can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout. Incorporating these superfruits into your diet is a delicious way to boost your nutritional intake and support a healthy lifestyle. Whole Foods Market is committed to sourcing the freshest, most nutrient-rich cherries, ensuring you get the best nature has to offer.
Your Guide to Enjoying Cherries All Season Long
To help you make the most of cherry season, here are some expert tips and creative ideas for selecting, preparing, and preserving these wonderful fruits:
Picking the Perfect Cherries
When selecting cherries, always look for those with bright green stems. This indicates freshness. Avoid any cherries with brown patches, bruising, or a dull appearance. The cherries themselves should be plump, firm, and glossy, without any wrinkles or shrunken spots, which can signal that they are past their prime. A good cherry will feel heavy for its size and have a vibrant color, characteristic of its variety. At Whole Foods Market, our produce specialists carefully select only the finest cherries, guaranteeing exceptional quality for your table.
Mastering the Art of Pitting Cherries
Pitting cherries can seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential for many recipes and for making them more enjoyable to eat. For an old-school hack, simply grab a glass bottle with an opening narrower than the cherry and a chopstick. Place the cherry stem-side down on the bottle opening and gently push the chopstick through the middle. The pit will fall into the bottle, leaving you with a perfectly pitted cherry. There are also various cherry pitters available on the market that make the process even quicker and cleaner. Learning to pit cherries efficiently opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from pies to salads.
Baking with Fresh Cherries
There’s truly nothing quite like the taste of a pie made with peak-of-the-season cherries. The sweet-tart flavor profile of fresh cherries is absolutely sublime when baked into desserts. But don’t stop at pies! Consider using cherries to make delightful scones, tender cakes, muffins, or even a classic cherry clafoutis. The heat of the oven brings out their natural sugars and deepens their complex flavors, creating incredibly comforting and delicious treats that are perfect for sharing at any summer gathering. Experiment with different spices like almond extract or cinnamon to complement the cherry’s natural taste.
Freezing Cherries for Year-Round Enjoyment
To extend the joy of cherry season, freezing is an excellent option. First, remove the pits and stems from your fresh cherries. Then, spread the prepared cherries in a single layer on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. This crucial step prevents them from clumping together as they freeze. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe storage container or bag. Frozen cherries are perfect for adding to smoothies, making sauces, or incorporating into baked goods later in the year. They retain much of their flavor and nutritional value, allowing you to enjoy a taste of summer even in the colder months.
Preserving the Bounty: Homemade Cherry Jam
Fresh cherries can last up to a week after purchase when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, if you find yourself with an abundance, preserving them is a fantastic way to capture their essence. Making homemade cherry jam is a rewarding process that yields a delicious spread perfect for toast, scones, or as an accompaniment to cheese. The rich, sweet-tart flavor of cherry jam is incomparable to store-bought versions. You can also explore other preservation methods like making cherry compotes, chutneys, or even canning whole pitted cherries in syrup to enjoy throughout the year.
Drying Cherries: A Healthy and Convenient Snack
For a healthy, portable snack or a versatile ingredient, consider drying your cherries. Begin by removing the pits and stems. Then, spread the cherries in a single layer on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet or an oiled rack fitted into a rimmed baking sheet. Bake them in a low-temperature oven, around 200°F (95°C), for several hours—typically 6 to 8, or even longer—until they are dried, wrinkly, and chewy, but still pliable. Dried cherries make an easy and nutritious addition to lunchboxes, granola, trail mix, salads, or even savory dishes like stuffings. They concentrate the cherry’s flavor, offering a delightful chewy sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Delicious Cherry Recipes to Try!
Inspired to start cooking with cherries? Whole Foods Market offers a fantastic collection of recipes that showcase the versatility of this beloved fruit. Get creative in your kitchen with these exciting ideas:
Cherry Syrup
Elevate your breakfast or dessert with this simple yet elegant cherry syrup. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or even mixing into cocktails, this syrup captures the intense flavor of fresh cherries in a luscious liquid form. It’s a fantastic way to infuse a burst of fruity sweetness into various dishes.
Cherry Breakfast Quinoa
Start your day with a nutritious and flavorful bowl of cherry breakfast quinoa. This wholesome dish combines the earthy goodness of quinoa with the sweet-tartness of cherries, creating a satisfying and energy-boosting meal. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional oatmeal and can be customized with nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Grilled Salmon with Cherry Couscous
For a truly unique and sophisticated main course, try this grilled salmon paired with cherry couscous. The sweet and savory combination of fresh cherries with flaky salmon and fluffy couscous creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dish is perfect for a summer dinner party, offering a vibrant and memorable culinary experience.
Tiny Cherry Pies
These adorable tiny cherry pies are perfect for individual servings, picnics, or as a charming dessert for any occasion. They offer all the deliciousness of a classic cherry pie in a portable and fun format. The golden, flaky crust filled with sweet and juicy cherries is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Chocolate Chip Cherry Ice Cream Floats
Cool down with these fun and indulgent chocolate chip cherry ice cream floats. A delightful treat for both kids and adults, this float combines creamy ice cream with a burst of cherry flavor and chocolatey goodness. It’s the perfect refreshing dessert to beat the summer heat!
Fresh Cherry Limeade
Quench your thirst with a vibrant and zesty fresh cherry limeade. This refreshing beverage is bursting with the bright flavors of cherries and lime, making it an ideal drink for a hot summer day. Serve it over ice with a garnish of fresh lime slices and whole cherries for a visually appealing and delicious refreshment.
Why Choose Whole Foods Market for Your Cherries?
At Whole Foods Market, we are passionate about providing our customers with the highest quality produce, and our cherries are no exception. We work closely with trusted growers to ensure that every cherry we offer meets our rigorous standards for freshness, flavor, and sustainability. When you shop for cherries at Whole Foods Market, you can be confident that you’re choosing fruit that is not only delicious but also responsibly sourced. Our commitment to quality means you get to enjoy the very best of what the season has to offer.
Exclusive Giveaway: Win a Whole Foods Market Gift Card!
To celebrate the glorious cherry season, we’re giving away a special prize to one lucky reader!
What is included in this giveaway:
- $100 Whole Foods Market gift card
How to enter this giveaway:
Fill out the entry form below to participate. Good luck!