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What do you use tart cherry for?

Tart cherries, also known as sour cherries or Prunus cerasus, are a type of cherry valued for their tart flavor and nutritional benefits. Tart cherries have many culinary and medicinal uses thanks to their unique combination of nutrients and compounds. Here is an overview of the many ways to use tart cherries.

Culinary Uses

Tart cherries have a pleasing sour-sweet flavor that makes them versatile in recipes both savory and sweet. Here are some of the main ways tart cherries are used in cooking and baking:

  • Pies – Tart cherries are one of the most popular pie fillings, especially in cherry pie. Their bright red color and tart-sweet flavor pair beautifully with flaky pie crust.
  • Jams and preserves – Tart cherries can be made into jam, jelly, and other preserves. They contain natural pectin which helps them gel and set.
  • Dried cherries – Drying concentrates the tart cherry flavor and gives them a chewy texture. Dried tart cherries make tasty snacks and baking additions.
  • Juices and drinks – Tart cherry juice is delicious on its own or used to make lemonade, slushies, smoothies, and cocktails.
  • Sauces – Tart cherries make flavorful sauces for meats like duck, chicken, and pork.
  • Salads – Fresh or dried tart cherries lend color and flavor to savory and sweet salads.
  • Oatmeal and yogurt – Tart cherries pair well with oatmeal, yogurt, chia pudding, and porridge.
  • Baking – Use dried or fresh tart cherries in muffins, breads, scones, tarts, cakes, cookies and bars.

Tart cherries have a unique sour-sweet taste that balances flavors in both sweet and savory recipes. Their bright red color also makes them visually appealing in many dishes.

Nutritional Benefits

Tart cherries are nutritionally dense, packing a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds into each serving. Here are some of the top nutrients found in tart cherries:

  • Vitamin C – One cup provides 18% of the RDI for this essential vitamin and antioxidant. Vitamin C supports immune function and collagen production.
  • Potassium – Each cup contains 12% of the RDI for potassium, which helps control blood pressure.
  • Copper – Tart cherries have 7% of the RDI for copper, a mineral important for nerve function.
  • Vitamin A – This vitamin is essential for eye and skin health. Tart cherries contain 5% of the RDI per cup.
  • Manganese – This trace mineral supports bone health and metabolism. Tart cherries contain 5% of the RDI.

Additionally, tart cherries are a rare food source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. They also contain polyphenol antioxidants like anthocyanins that reduce inflammation.

Medicinal Uses

Research shows tart cherries have a number of potential health benefits. Here are some of the main medicinal uses of tart cherries:

  • Exercise recovery – Multiple studies show tart cherry juice reduces muscle damage and soreness after strenuous exercise like marathon running.
  • Sleep aid – Tart cherry juice has been shown to increase melatonin levels and improve quality of sleep.
  • Joint pain – The anti-inflammatory effects may alleviate arthritis symptoms like joint pain and stiffness.
  • Gout relief – Tart cherry juice consumption is linked to reduced gout attacks, likely due to its uric acid lowering effects.
  • Heart health – The anthocyanins in tart cherries help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
  • Cancer prevention – The antioxidant content may inhibit cancer cell growth and reduce tumor size.

Much of the clinical research on tart cherry health benefits involves consuming tart cherry juice, at least 16 ounces per day. Tart cherry juice concentrate, capsules, and powders are also available.

Growing Tart Cherries

Tart or sour cherries grow well in zones 4-7. Here are some tips for growing tart cherry trees:

  • Choose a cultivar suited to your region, such as Montmorency, Balaton, or North Star.
  • Plant in early spring once danger of frost has passed.
  • Space trees 20-25 feet apart in a sunny, well-drained site.
  • Tart cherry trees prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
  • Fertilize in spring as buds open and again after harvest.
  • Prune trees in late winter to improve air circulation and light penetration.
  • Tart cherries do not self-pollinate – plant at least 2 compatible cultivars.
  • Harvest cherries when fully red by gently shaking branches over a tarp.

With proper planting and care, a tart cherry tree can produce 8-15 pounds of fruit per year.

Where to Buy Tart Cherries

There are several options for buying fresh and preserved tart cherries:

  • Farmers markets – In regions where tart cherries grow, they are common at farmers markets in summer.
  • Pick-your-own orchards – Find a U-pick tart cherry orchard to pick your own fruit.
  • Grocery stores – Fresh cherries can be found in the produce aisle in summer months.
  • Specialty markets – Health food stores and gourmet grocers carry dried, frozen, canned, and juiced tart cherries.
  • Online – Dried, frozen, and juice concentrate are available online year-round.

Look for tart cherries that are firm and deeply colored. If buying juice, choose 100% tart cherry juice with no added sugars or preservatives.

Storage and Preservation

Fresh tart cherries last 1-2 weeks when refrigerated. Here are some ways to store or preserve tart cherries:

  • Refrigeration – Store fresh cherries loosely packed in a perforated bag in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
  • Freezing – Wash, pit, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags.
  • Canning – Tart cherries can be canned in a water bath canner as pie filling or jam.
  • Drying – Use a dehydrator or low oven to dry tart cherries. No pretreatment needed.
  • Juice – Juice cherries and refrigerate juice for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

For the longest shelf life and year-round availability, commercially frozen, canned, dried, or juiced tart cherries are good options.

Popular Tart Cherry Recipes

Here are 10 delicious ways to use tart cherries:

Recipe Ingredients
Tart cherry pie Pitted tart cherries, pie dough, sugar, cornstarch, butter, vanilla
Tart cherry jam Fresh tart cherries, sugar, lemon juice
Tart cherry salsa Diced tart cherries, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice
Pork chops with tart cherry sauce Pork chops, dried tart cherries, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar
Tart cherry granola Rolled oats, dried tart cherries, honey, coconut
Tart cherry turkey salad Diced turkey, celery, dried tart cherries, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard
Tart cherry margarita Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, tart cherry juice
Tart cherry smoothie Frozen tart cherries, yogurt, banana, milk
Tart cherry chicken Chicken breasts, dried tart cherries, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, garlic
Tart cherry chocolate bark Dark chocolate, dried tart cherries, toasted almonds

Conclusion

Tart or sour cherries are extremely versatile fruits that can be used in drinks, desserts, main dishes, and more. They provide a sweet-tart flavor and beneficial plant compounds. Research shows tart cherries may help with exercise recovery, heart health, arthritis, gout, and sleep quality. Look for tart cherries at farmers markets and specialty grocers, or grow your own trees. Incorporate tart cherries into your diet to take advantage of their unique nutritional profile.