Cherries

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Cherry fruits are part of the rose family, which also includes almonds, peaches, apricots and plums. Cherries are small and fleshy, red or reddish-black fruits that contain a hard stone. Cherries are also known to have a very short fruit season and ripen quickly.

It is believed that the Romans discovered the fruits of sweet cherry in Malaysia around 70 BC. The cultivation of these fruits first began in Mesopotamia in the 8th century BC. Later, in the first century AD, the Romans brought cherries to Britain.

Cherries (Prunus avium., Rosaceae) are available in many varieties, but in general only two species are most commonly consumed - wild cherry and cherry (Prunus cerasus). Cherries grow in many areas and are rather cousins of sweet cherries and differ significantly in taste. There are also white cherries, which, however, are less common and pretentious plants. But white cherry jam is a great delicacy. Sweet cherries, on the other hand, are known to be difficult to grow.

Composition of cherries

The main thing advantage of cherries is that they are rich in flavonoids, which are so important antioxidants for our body. Cherries contain a lot of organic acids and quercetin, which is a strong anti-inflammatory substance, with a proven analgesic effect on joint pain and protects the eyes. Anthocyanins are also an important ingredient in them. Cherries are a very good natural source of ellagic acid, which is said to have anti-cancer properties.

Delicious cherries are a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C. Doses minerals in cherries are rather moderate to low, with potassium in the foreground. Cherries have a low glycemic index (22), and 100 g of them contain only 63 kcal.

Selection and storage of cherries

As cherries are easily injured, they must be selected well. When buying cherries it is necessary to choose those with a bright color. The cherries, which are round in shape and firm, taste very good. For the best quality cherries it is necessary to select those that have their green stems and stalks.

Cherries are short-lived and rarely ripen after harvest. To be able to store cherries, should be placed in the refrigerator immediately after purchase. Cherries can stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least two days.

Culinary use of cherries

As a delicious fruit cherries is best to eat fresh and as soon as possible after being plucked from the tree. However, their unique taste combines perfectly with many other fruits, vegetables, spices and products that you can often put cherries in your culinary masterpieces.

Sweet temptations such as fruit cakes, gluten-free pastries, cherry cakes and egg-free creams are uniquely delicious with the addition of cherries. Even the popular Black Forest cake is marked by the taste of these red fruits. Try to prepare a cherry sorbet, which will almost certainly bring you salvation in the summer heat. Cherries are popular for making fruit juices, homemade nectars and especially fruit jams and favorite jams, the latter of which have a divine taste. Cherry jam goes well with fluffy pans, American pancakes or soft. The use of juicy fruits in fruit pies, cheesecake without baking, cream cakes, crostata and other Italian desserts is a classic in cooking.

Benefits of cherries

When you eat cherries, you don't just enjoy incredibly good taste. Cherries contain antioxidants and have many health benefits, such as insomnia, joint pain and belly fat. Cherries may be the medicine you need. The benefits of cherries are a number.

Studies show that cherries have many health benefits. They are known to relieve the pain of people suffering from arthritis. It has been proven that if you eat at least 20 sour cherries a day, you can effectively fight inflammation.

Red cherries are very high in melatonin. Melatonin helps destroy toxins that cause various diseases. Cherries are also rich in antioxidantsthat help fight cancer and heart disease.

Cherries are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. They are also a very good source of fiber and vitamin C.

The American Alzheimer's Association includes cherries in its list of foods for good memory because they are rich in antioxidants.

Sweet cherries, as well as cherry juice, are known to reduce uranium levels in the body. They also help reduce muscle aches and back pain. The beneficial effect of cherries on health is preserved even if they are frozen, in the form of juice or canned. Sweet cherriesas well as sour cherries contain very high levels of anthocyanins. This is the red pigment in cherries that helps reduce inflammation.

Cherries interfere gaining weight. The researchers found that rats fed cherry powder on a high-fat diet did not absorb as much fat as rats that did not eat cherry powder.

Cherry extract contains the antioxidant flavonoids and is used in many tablets and capsules. These capsules are used to support the body's pH levels.

Can't sleep at night? Cherry juice comes to the rescue! Drink a glass of cherry juice in the evening, 30 minutes before each meal. In one study, participants increased melatonin production by following this drug. Cherries are a good source of melatonin and can help regulate sleep cycles. For the same reason, they are a good remedy for problems caused by time zone differences.

Cherries have the highest level of antioxidants among fruits. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body that make us look old. Daily consumption of cherry juice slows the aging process, according to researchers at Michigan State University. Cherry juice is also recommended as an alternative treatment for other skin conditions.

The cherries serve in the prevention of colon cancer.

Harm from cherries

These delicious fruits, although useful, can sometimes cause us inconvenience and discomfort. Especially if you eat the delicious fruits and eat more than you should. In such cases, the abdomen swells, and it is possible that pain and gas may occur.

Another important potential damage from cherries may come for people with allergies to them. If you have an allergic reaction, it is good to avoid cherries, even in thermally processed products, such as various pastries.

Diet with cherries

As with the strawberry diet, for the diet with cherries It is recommended up to a kilogram of cherries a day, taken as a snack, between meals, but also in the morning, on an empty stomach. Portions of 200-250 grams may also be enough for the body to take full advantage of the intake of vitamins and beneficial effects.

If you eat more, however, diuretics and the laxative effects of cherries will be highlighted. Depending on your daily schedule and your body's reactions, you can decide how much you want to eat. One week with a kilo of cherries a day should be enough to lose weight. It is ideal to alternate them with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries and apricots.

Between cherry meals, vegetables and seasonal salads are specifically mentioned, and protein is preferably in small amounts these days. Cherries can also be integrated into smoothies and shakes if you prefer. You can combine them with bananas, pineapples, apples, pears, apricots, sweetened if you want with a little honey or maple syrup.

A strong breakfast has its advantages in a healthy lifestyle, as well as the habit of not eating dinner late at night, until 19:00.

If you really want to try a diet based exclusively on cherries, do not follow it for more than three days and follow the reactions of the body. It is better not to eat chaotically cherries, but to distribute them in several meals, approximately at the same time. You can choose equal portions or constantly increase the amount you eat.

It is also important to choose fresh cherries, not cherry compotes.