Anna Delany, adapted from www.Fruits&VeggiesMatter.gov
Never underestimate the power of the cherry! Cherries are small fruits big on vitamins, antioxidants and good flavor. They make a tasty and nutritious summer treat. Claimed by many to bring pain relief, cherries have also been nicknamed “the healing fruit”.
Read on to find out why cherries are so good for you.
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There are two main types of cherries: sweet and sour. Sour cherries are lower in calories and higher in vitamin C and beta carotene than sweet cherries.
| Montgomery | This variety is the best known sour cherry. It is mostly canned or frozen for use as pie filling or sauce. They are grown mostly in the eastern and Midwestern states. |
| Bing |
This variety is the best known sweet cherry. It is large, round, extra-sweet and has a purple-red flesh and a deep red skin that is close to black when fully ripe. The Bing is available from the end of May until early August. |
| Lambert |
This variety is the second most popular sweet cherry. It is smaller than the Bing and is more heart shaped. It has a dark-red skin and a rich flavor. Lamberts are available a bit longer than the Bing, usually until the end of August. |
| Rainer |
This variety is sweet with a yellow or pinkish skin. It is milder and sweeter than the Bing. However, this variety is grown in limited quantities. |
| Royal Ann |
This variety has a blush-yellow skin and is often canned or made into maraschino cherries. |
According to ongoing research, cherries are a rich source of antioxidants than can help fight cancer and heart disease. In addition, they contain compounds that can help relieve the pain of arthritis, gout and even headaches. The secret is in the pigments that give cherries their rich red hue.
Tart cherries in particular pack a health promoting punch. Ongoing research shows that tart cherries are a rich source of antioxidants, including melatonin, which may help to relieve the pain of arthritis, gout and possibly fibromyalgia. Melatonin in cherries may also help to improve sleep patterns.
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