While extremely high in vitamins and minerals, cherries are not always recognized for their nutritional value. They contain vitamin C, beta-carotene and pectin, a soluble fiber that helps control blood cholesterol levels. Cherries are also high in a number of phytochemicals including anthocyanins and quercetin all of which function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Cherries are a drupe, or stone fruit, and are closely related to the peach, apricot, plum, and almond.  Sweet cherries include dark- and light-skinned varieties. We currently carry only dark sweet cherries. The most common dark sweet cherry is the Bing, which is nearly black when fully ripe. Also popular is the Rainier, which is milder and sweeter than the Bing.

Sweet cherries are found fresh in grocery stores during their short harvest season, and are sometimes imported from the southern hemisphere during the off-season. Dark sweet cherries are eaten fresh and used to make desserts, preserves, cider and liqueurs.  They are also made into the maraschino cherries used to garnish drinks and ice cream dishes.

Available Dark Sweet Cherry Products:

• Dark Sweet Cherry Puree
  
  • Single Strength Puree, Natural Brix
  • Puree Concentrate, 32° Brix
    
    
• Dark Sweet Cherry Juice Concentrate
  
  • Standard 68° Brix
    
    
• IQF Dark Sweet Cherry
  
  
• Dehydrated (Dried) Dark Sweet Cherry
  
  • Whole, half, and dice
  • With and without pit
  • Various levels of sugar
  • No SO₂
  • Dehydrated Maraschino Cherry