Cherries

Cherries are small soft round stone fruit which are red or black when ripe.

Cherries originated from the area around the Caucasus mountains in Eastern Europe. The Romans are believed to have discovered sweet cherries in about 70 BC. They were introduced to Britain in the first century AD. Although the fruit has been popular for desserts and culinary purpose, cherries were also used in the 15th and 16th centuries for their medicinal properties.

Preparation and Use

Once at home store cherries in a fridge. When ready to eat, leave at room temperature for an hour.

Once washed, cherries are delicious just as they are.

However, they also make a great addition to cocktails, or cooked in tarts and pies.

Health and Nutrition

5 a Day - 14 cherries count as 1 portion towards 5 a day.

Cherries contain vitamin C and potassium and are a good source of dietary fibre.

They also contain quercetin, a bioflavonoid. Quercetin, also found in apples and red wine, is an antioxidant and thus may help fight cell-damaging free radicals.

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