Did you know ?
- 1 Cherries do not ripen after being picked.
- 2 Cherry blossoms are Japan’s national flower.
- 3 Cherries contain melatonin, which may help improve sleep.
Cherry
Cherries are small, round stone fruits with a sweet or tart flavor, prized for their vibrant color and juiciness. Enjoyed fresh or in recipes, cherries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
View other Stone fruits
Nutrition
Detailed nutritional values of cherries
Section titled “Detailed nutritional values of ”Values of an average cup of cherries (~154g) - raw :
| Calories | 74 kcal |
| Proteins | 1.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 18.7g |
| of which sugars | 15g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |
| Fats | 0.2g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
Ripeness
How to know if a cherry is ripe ?
Section titled “How to know if is ripe ?”
Perfectly ripe
A ripe cherry is plump, glossy, richly colored, and sweet-tart in flavor.
How to recognize this state :
- Deep, uniform color (variety-dependent)
- Glossy, smooth skin
- Firm but slightly yielding
- Plump and juicy
- Fresh green stems
- Sweet aroma
- Easy to detach from stem
- No blemishes or shriveling
Advice for ripe products
Eat ripe cherries soon for best flavor and texture. Refrigerate if not consuming immediately.
Selection
How to choose cherries ?
Section titled “How to choose ?”To choose quality cherries at the supermarket or market :
- Pick cherries that are plump, firm, and glossy
- Look for vibrant, deep color and fresh, green stems
- Avoid soft, shriveled, or blemished fruit
- Avoid cherries with brown or dry stems
- Check for uniform size and color within the batch
Storage and ripening
How to store and ripen cherries ?
Section titled “How to store and ripen ?”How to store cherries ?
- Store cherries unwashed in the refrigerator in a breathable container or loosely covered bowl.
- Rinse just before eating to prevent spoilage.
- Cherries last 5–7 days refrigerated; freeze pitted cherries for longer storage.
How to ripen cherries ?
Cherries do not ripen after harvest, but to maximize freshness :
- Pick at peak ripeness from the tree.
- Keep refrigerated immediately after picking or purchasing.
- Avoid washing until ready to eat.
- Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- For longer storage, freeze pitted cherries.
Health
Health benefits of a cherry
Section titled “Health benefits of ”- Rich in antioxidants for cellular protection
- Supports sleep quality due to melatonin
- Supports heart health with potassium and fiber
- Low in calories, aids weight management
- Promotes digestive health with fiber
Origin
What is the origin of cherries ?
Section titled “What is the origin of ?”Cherries are native to Eastern Europe and Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey region), where wild varieties have been cultivated since ancient times. They spread throughout Europe and Asia, becoming a prized fruit in many cultures. Today, cherries are grown worldwide, with major production in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Regions of origin
- Anatolia (Asia Minor, modern Turkey)
- Eastern Europe
- Western Asia
- North America (cultivated varieties)
Recipes
Cook a cherry according to its ripeness
Section titled “Cook according to its ripeness”Unripe
- Pickled green cherries
- Cherry chutney
- Cherry-infused vinegar
Perfectly ripe
- Cherry clafoutis
- Fresh cherry pie
- Cherry sorbet
Overripe
- Cherry sauce for meats
- Cherry muffins
- Cherry reduction for desserts
F.A.Q
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “Frequently asked questions”Warnings
Warnings and precautions for cherries
Section titled “Warnings and precautions for ”- Do not eat cherry pits; they contain compounds that can release cyanide when crushed.
- Cherries can cause digestive upset if consumed in excess.
- People with allergies to stone fruits should avoid cherries.
- Wash cherries before eating to remove pesticides or residues.
- Overripe or moldy cherries should be discarded.
- Cherries are not suitable for those on low-potassium diets without medical advice.
Do not confuse with
Small, round, and red, but a type of tomato, not a stone fruit.
Tropical fruit, higher in vitamin C, unrelated to true cherries.