Why Are Cherries So Healthy?

They say good things come in small packages, and that’s certainly true when it comes to Bing Cherries! Sweet, mountain Bing Cherries (like those you can find through Pittman & Davis) are small stone fruits (drupes) packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this 1¼” diameter fruit a nutritional powerhouse!

What Makes Cherries So Good for You?

Many people look forward to cherry season each summer because they crave the sweetness of our dark-red Bing Cherries, but in addition to their amazing flavor cherries of all varieties are a nutrient-dense superfood that can benefit your quality of sleep, mood, exercise and more. Here are just a few of the unique health benefits of cherries:

1. Cherries help your body fight disease and inflammation. It’s clear that eating a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for your health. Blue, purple, and red foods (like Bing Cherries) are high in the plant pigment anthocyanin, a phytonutrient that has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect against inflammation and fight free radicals, which can cause cell damage and contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Fresh cherries also contain antioxidants from Vitamins A, C, and E. Studies show that eating three servings of cherries per day (there are about 14 cherries in a serving) reduces inflammation brought on by free radicals.
2. Cherries can help you sleep better. Trouble sleeping and looking for a natural remedy? Snack on a serving of fresh cherries! Tips from sleep experts include the fruit because both tart and sweet cherries contain high levels of melatonin (a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle), serotonin (a chemical that helps your body produce melatonin), and tryptophan (an amino acid that increases serotonin).
3. Cherries can help you recover faster after a workout. You already read above that cherries can ease inflammation. Well, cherries and cherry juice can also soothe sore muscles after a rigorous exercise routine, as well! That’s because the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties cherries possess work in a way that’s similar to ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications when it comes to reducing or stopping pain. Even better, cherries don’t come with the harmful side effects such drugs can cause (such as digestive, kidney, or heart issues).

Selecting cherries and cherry juice that are tart rather than sweet will give you the best results in exercise recovery.

4. Cherries can help keep your heart healthy. A diet rich in potassium, low in sodium, and high in phytosterols is shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Snacking on just one cup of fresh cherries will give you 260 milligrams of potassium. Plus, cherries are rich in plant sterols (phytosterols) and low in sodium, making them a wonderfully heart-healthy choice.
5. Cherries help prevent arthritis as well as reduce arthritis pain. Gout sufferers have known for a long time that snacking on cherries, drinking cherry juice, or taking cherry extract regularly can help prevent painful flare-ups. Inflammatory arthritis (like gout) is caused by a buildup of uric acid, while cherries and cherry juice can actually lower uric acid levels.
6. Cherries can lower the risk of cancer. You’ve probably already guessed that a diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies can help reduce the risk of developing various types of cancer, but you may not know that cherries are particularly adept cancer fighters. That’s due in part to their high levels of anthocyanins and melatonin, which you now know protects against cell damage. Cherries also contain bioactive compounds, which studies suggest also help prevent cancer.
7. Cherries can help improve your blood sugar levels. Bing Cherries may be sweet, but they’re also low on the glycemic index, making them a great treat for diabetics. Even better, they’re high in fiber like most fruits, which helps regulate your blood sugar. A serving of cherries can satisfy your sweet tooth without raising your blood sugar levels or loading you down with fat and calories – something that’s good for your waistline, too.

How You Can Use Cherries This Summer

If you’re wondering how to buy cherries, look no further than Pittman & Davis! When you order Bing Cherries online from Pittman & Davis, you get fruit that’s plump and perfect, with a wild, sweet flavor that evokes thoughts of snow-capped mountains and crystal springs. Our cherries are so delicious we’re betting you won’t have them around long, but if you plan to use them in your favorite recipes be sure to store them properly. For proper cherry storage, keep dry, unwashed cherries in the fridge with their stems still on. Store them in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined flat container that’s loosely covered.

If you want to freeze some cherries for later use that’s easy to do. You’ll need to know how to pit cherries first – use a conventional cherry pitter (you can find them online or in kitchen stores), or a paring knife or paper clip to pop out the stone. Remove the stems, rinse the fruit in cold water, and dry it thoroughly before spreading it in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for two hours then move the cherries to a freezer bag.

Farm Fresh Gifts Since 1926

For nearly a century, Pittman & Davis has shared the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. From tree-ripened citrus to smoked meats, pastries, and handcrafted specialties, every gift reflects the land it comes from, the people who craft it, and the unforgettable taste it delivers.

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