Cherry fruits are part of the Rosaceae family, which also includes almonds, peaches, apricots and plums. Cherries are small and fleshy, red or reddish-black berries, which contain a solid pip. Cherries are also known to have a very short season and become overripe quickly.
It is believed that the Romans discovered the sweet fruit in Malaysia around 70 BC. They first started cultivating these fruits in Mesopotamia in the 8th century BC. Later, in the first century AD, the Romans introduced cherries in Britain.
Cherries (Prunus avium, Rosaceae) are available in many varieties, but generally only two types are commonly consumed - wild cherry and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). Sour cherries grow in many regions and differ from their sweet cherry cousins vary widely in taste. There are white cherries, but they are rare and demanding plants. In turn, for sweet cherries, it is known that growing them is difficult.
Composition of cherries
The main advantage of cherries is that they are rich in flavonoids, which are important for our body antioxidants. The small red fruit contains a lot of organic acids and quercetin, which has strong anti-inflammatory agents with proven analgesic effect in joint pain and also protect the eyes. An important ingredient in them are anthocyanins. Cherries are a good natural source of ellagic acid, which is claimed to have anti-cancerous properties.
Delicious cherries are a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C. The doses of minerals in cherries are rather moderate to low, with potassium in the foreground. Cherries have a low glycemic index (22), 100 g of which contains only 63 calories.
Selection and storage of cherries
Since cherry fruits are easily damaged, they must be selected well. When buying cherries, choose those with a bright color. Cherries that are round shaped and solid, with very good taste are best. You need to select those with their green stems and petioles.
Cherries are perishable and rarely ripen after harvest. In order to preserve them, these should be placed in the refrigerator immediately after their purchase. Cherries can stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least two days.
Culinary use of cherries
The delicious cherry fruit is best to eat fresh and as soon as possible after being picked from the tree. However, their unique flavor combines perfectly with many other fruits, vegetables, herbs and products that can often make them their culinary masterpieces.
Sweets and cakes, pastries and creams are uniquely delicious with the addition of cherries. Even the famous Black Forest Cake is marked by the taste of the red fruit. Try to prepare cherry sorbet, which almost certainly will bring salvation in the summer heat. Cherries are popular for making juices, compotes and especially jams, which have divine taste.
Benefits of Cherries
Research shows that cherry fruit has many health benefits. They are known to relieve pain for people who suffer from arthritis. It has been shown that if you eat at least 20 sour cherries a day, one can effectively fight emerging infections.
Red cherries are very high in melatonin. Melatonin helps destroy toxins that cause various diseases. Cherry fruits are also rich in antioxidants that help fight cancer and heart disease.
Cherries are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. They are also very good source of fiber and vitamin C.
Sweet cherries, and cherry juice are known to reduce the levels of urate in the body. They also help to reduce muscle and back pain. The beneficial impact of the cherries on our health is maintained even if they are frozen in the form of juice or canned. Sweet and sour cherries contain very high levels of anthocyanins. This is the red pigment in cherries, which helps reduce inflammation.
Cherry fruit extract contains antioxidant flavonoids and is used in many tablets and capsules. These capsules are used to support the body's pH levels.
Dangers of cherries
These delicious fruits, though useful, can sometimes cause inconvenience and discomfort. Especially if you like snacking on the delicious fruits and eat a little more than you should. In such cases, the belly swells, and there will be pain and flatulence.
Another important potential danger of cherries can come to people who are allergic to them. If a person has an allergic reaction, you should avoid sour cherries and even thermally processed products, such as various pastries.
