Cherries are a 'super fruit' and tart cherries, enjoyed as either dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.
There are about 7 000 cherries on an average cherry tree, with each tree capable of producing more than 40 kg of fruit in a season.
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.
You can freeze cherries by rinsing and draining thoroughly, spreading them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet and placing in the freezer overnight. Once the cherries are frozen, transfer them to a heavy plastic bag. The frozen fruit may be kept up to a year.
How to
Make cherry jam When fresh cherries are in abundance, take advantage and make a batch of cherry jam. It is also a great gift to take along to festive get-togethers.
To make, place 1 kg of pitted cherries, 2kg unrefined or light brown sugar and 2 cups of water in a large pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer for 1 hour, until the mixture becomes thick and sticky.
To test whether or not it is ready, take 1 teaspoon of the mixture, smear on a side plate and chill for 10 minutes. The mixture is ready when you can run a spoon through the smear without the mixture running back together.
Leave to cool slightly. Spoon into little jars and serve with ripe Camembert, or bottle in sterilised jars
If you aren't making jam, preserve the cherries in brandy or vodka.