Cherries are back in season, and I couldn’t be more excited! Summer offers some of the best seasonal fruits and vegetables and nothing tastes like summer more than snacking on some dark cherries at Barton Springs. Here are some fun facts and health benefits of munching on these delicious super fruits!
Fun Facts about Cherries
There are two varieties of cherries: Sweet and Tart. Both originated around 70 B.C between the Black and the Caspian Sea. Historically, they were prized by the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Chinese. In fact, the Chinese view cherries as a symbol of immortality. They are hung over their doors during the New Year to ward off evil spirits.
Health Benefits of Cherries
Cherries contain several compounds that fight off inflammation and free radicals in the body. The high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are due to Quercetin and Anthocyanins.
Quercetin and Anthocyanins are plant pigments called Flavonoids that gives dark cherries its rich color. Flavonoids are known for their high antioxidant properties by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause cell damage. A good rule of thumb for cherries is to buy the darker variety to get the most antioxidants! Additionally, cherries contain high amounts of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium that all contribute to a healthy metabolism.
Ways to Eat Cherries
Cherry season has begun in Texas and will last till the end of August! Some great ways to eat cherries are putting them into your morning yogurt for breakfast, adding them to a salad, pies, or smoothies, and just eating them right off the stem! Just be sure to spit the pit out!
How do you like to eat cherries?
Citations:
- http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/quercetin
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1082898/
- Zanteson, Lori. “Pick Cherries For Peak Nutrition.” Environmental Nutrition 35.5 (2012): 8. Alt HealthWatch. Web. 1 July 2015.
Adrien Paczosa is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian practicing in Austin, Texas and the surrounding counties.
She is the owner and founder of I Live Well Nutrition her Dietitian practice which started in 2007 and serves clients in the Austin, Texas area in two locations. Fearless Practitioners, the division of her business that offers training to dietitians and wellness professionals.