Season: May to June

Description: Cherries are a source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin C helps protect skin from bruising, helps heal cuts and keeps gums healthy, and boosts iron absorption. Cherries also contain fiber, which helps control cholesterol and keeps bowel movements regular.

Vitamins: Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium

Selection: Choose cherries that are firm and uniformly red.

Storing: Refrigerate loosely packed, unwashed cherries in a plastic bag or in a single layer on a plate covered in plastic wrap. Cherries can be refrigerated up to 1 week. To freeze: Rinse and drain cherries, then spread them on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Place them in the freezer. Once frozen, put cherries into a freezer container and keep up to 1 year.

Preparation: Rinse cherries under cold water. To pit cherries, halve the cherry with a paring knife and remove pit with the tip of knife.

Serving: Simmer with sugar, cinnamon and lemon zest until fruit is slightly soft and heated. Strain and chill to make a syrup topping for ice cream or waffles.

Nutrition Data: Nutrition data for Cherries

Recipes containing Cherries: