Celebrating Cherries All Year Long

Cherry season is here. Actually, cherries aren’t “in season” but with George Washington’s birthday this month, February is when we traditionally celebrate George and his cherry tree massacre with a slice of cherry pie.

“We have cherry pie all year but in February we have several cherry features including cherry angel food cake and cherry gooey butter cakes,” reported the bakery clerk at Dierberg’s Fenton Crossing. 

 February is National Cherry month. And while cherry pies and pastries get the majority of attention Caitlin Solway, spokesperson for the Cherry Marketing Institute, encourages us to think beyond pie.

“There’s more to do with cherries than baking pies,” said Solway. “Cherries versatility makes them easy to incorporate into recipes. And that’s a good thing because cherries are considered as the ultimate super food because they're rich in antioxidants.”

Cherries also contain high levels of anthocyanins, a compound that researchers have shown can reduce inflammation from arthritis and sports related muscle stress.

“Folklore always did say eating cherries would reduce arthritis pain. Now we have the scientific research to back it up,” said Solway.

To achieve the pain reducing benefits cherries can provide the Cherry Marketing Institute has created the following suggestions on how to add cherries to your diet.

The 10 Powerful Red Combinations for Pain Management:

1. Dried cherries make a good grab-and-go snack
2. Try the Power Berry Trail Mix Energy Cookie with dried cherries, flaxseed, oats and almonds
3. Add dried cherries to a bowl of whole grain oatmeal for a breakfast boost
4. Create a quick yogurt parfait with vanilla yogurt, granola and dried cherries.
5. Enjoy a Cherry Oatmeal Muffin for a breakfast or afternoon snack
6. Add dried cherries to a fresh spinach salad with walnuts for a light post-exercise meal
7. Stir up whole grain couscous with grilled chicken, dried cherries and a splash of cherry juice for added flavor
8. Rehydrate and refresh with the Red Alert, a mix of cherry juice and coconut water, a natural isotonic known for its hydration benefits
9. Recharge with the Red Recharger Smoothie, a triple hit of cherries, antioxidants, and protein
10. Pack a powerful gym bag with a single-serve bottle of 100% cherry juice or a cherry juice blend.

 To celebrate cherries during February and beyond the Cherry Marketing Institute has shared the following recipes that utilize dried and canned tart cherries and cherry juice, which are available year long at your local market.

SUPER FRUIT COBBLER

• 2 cups frozen pitted tart cherries, thawed
• 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen mixed berries, thawed
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup reduced fat buttermilk baking mix
• 1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
• 3 tablespoons low fat milk

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine cherries, mixed berries, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg; mix well; spoon mixture into an 8 or 9-inch baking dish. Combine baking mix, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, sour cream and milk; mix well to form a stiff batter. Drop batter over cherry mixture forming 6 mounds. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and cobbler topping is golden brown. Let stand 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 6 servings.

Tip: to save on cleanup time thaw and mix the berries in a baking dish.

CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD

• 1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup halved green grapes
• 1/4 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews

In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, and curry powder. Fold in the chicken, grapes, cherries and cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper. This salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Right before serving, stir in the cashews. Makes 4 servings.

RED RECHARGER SMOOTHIE

• 1 cup thawed tart cherries
• 1 cup partially frozen strawberries

• 3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate

• 1/2 cup plain, nonfat yogurt
• 1/2 cup cherry juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except nutmeg in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve. Makes 2 servings

CHERRY MIX

• 1/4 cup low fat granola cereal (without dried fruit)
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat cereal (Grape-Nuts)
• 1/4 cup mini whole-wheat pretzel knots
• 1/4 cup whole dried tart cherries
• 2 tablespoons toasted almond slivers
• 1 tablespoon chopped cashews or pecans

Combine ingredients in small mixing bowl and serve.  Serve within 1 or 2 days as mix will lose crispness from dried cherries. Makes 1 cup or four servings