Cherries – Superfood!
You might already know that cherries are chock-full of nutrients and antioxidants that can help prevent heart disease and cancer, relieve arthritis, and aid in increased bone health. What you might not know is that in two studies conducted in 2005, researchers concluded that dried fruit actually has a significantly higher antioxidant activity than fresh fruit due to the polyphenolic concentration and some other processes that occur during drying. The major phenol present in cherries are anthocyanins, also found in wine. A study in 2005 found that consuming fruits with phenolics can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition to having a higher antioxidant activity than fresh fruit, dried fruits have a higher total energy, nutrient density, and fiber content compared with fresh fruits due to concentration.
Cherry Facts – Did You Know?
- Cherries and other stone fruits are in the Rosacea (Rose) family – along with raspberries, strawberries, apples, pears, plums, and of course, roses!
- Turkey is the leading producer of cherries in the world with 20% of the world’s tonnage. The U.S. trails closely behind at 15%, followed by Iran (11%), Italy (7%), and Russia (5%).
- Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are mainly consumed as fresh fruit – which are the type of cherries we grow and dry here at Bella Viva. After all, the most delectable dried fruit is a result of what was once the sweetest fruit on the trees! Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are mostly used in processed products such as freezing, canning, and juices.
