Fun ways to use Cherries from Westview Orchards

Hey Cherry Lovers!

Summer's here, and it's the perfect time to enjoy some fresh, juicy cherries! Not only are cherries delicious, but they also come with a bunch of health benefits. Plus, if you’ve got a thing for Eastern European flavors, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into why cherries should be on your menu and share some awesome recipes to try at home.

 

Why Cherries Are Amazing for You

1. Packed with Antioxidants Cherries are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help fight off bad stuff in your body and keep inflammation in check. This means they’re great for lowering the risk of some chronic diseases.

2. Natural Pain Relief Those same anthocyanins can also help reduce pain and swelling, making cherries a tasty option for those dealing with arthritis or gout.

3. Sleep Better Having trouble sleeping? Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. So, adding cherries to your diet can help you catch those zzz's.

4. Heart Health Hero With lots of potassium, cherries help keep your blood pressure in check. This makes them a heart-healthy snack.

5. Exercise Recovery Got sore muscles? Cherries can help with that too. Their anti-inflammatory properties speed up muscle recovery after a workout.

Try These Yummy Cherry Recipes

Cherry Kompot

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh cherries (pitted)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 8 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Toss cherries, sugar, and water into a big pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  3. Cool it down and chill in the fridge.
  4. Pour over ice and enjoy a refreshing drink!

Sour Cherry Soup (Meggy Leves)

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups sour cherries (pitted)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Cook cherries, sugar, cinnamon stick, and water in a pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Mix some hot cherry liquid with the sour cream to temper it.
  4. Add the sour cream mixture back to the pot, stirring well.
  5. Chill in the fridge and serve cold.

Cherry Dumplings (Vareniki)

Ingredients:

  • Dough:
    • 2 cups flour
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 1 egg
  • Filling:
    • 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted)
    • 1/4 cup sugar
  • To Serve:
    • Sour cream
    • Extra sugar for sprinkling

Instructions:

  1. Make the dough by mixing flour, salt, water, and egg until smooth.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
  3. Place cherries and a sprinkle of sugar in each circle, fold over, and seal the edges.
  4. Boil the dumplings until they float (about 5 minutes).
  5. Serve with sour cream and a sprinkle of sugar.

Cherry Vodka (Visinată)

 

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups sour cherries (pitted)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 liter vodka

Instructions:

  1. Layer cherries and sugar in a large jar.
  2. Pour vodka over until the cherries are covered.
  3. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months, shaking occasionally.
  4. Strain and bottle the liquid. Enjoy as a sipping liqueur.

Wrap-Up

Cherries aren’t just tasty; they’re a powerhouse of health benefits and a staple in many delicious recipes. Whether you’re making a refreshing kompot, a cozy bowl of sour cherry soup, delightful dumplings, or a spirited cherry vodka, these little fruits add a burst of flavor and goodness to your diet. So, go ahead and make the most of cherry season!

Happy cherry picking and cooking!

  • The Westview Orchards and Winery Team