15 Simple Ways to Enjoy Fresh Cherries

Super easy ways to get the most out of cherry season

Cherries are some of the best foods of summer! 

They contain fibre, vitamin C and potassium and are rich sources of antioxidants.  One type of antioxidant that are abundant in cherries is anthocyanins.  These contribute to the dark rich color of cherries. 

Cherries are a lower glycemic food (go into the blood stream slowly) and are a healthy addition to an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce the risk of chronic disease such as heart disease and cancer.  They are also helpful in overall exercise recovery.

Looking for easy ways to enjoy fresh sweet cherries?

Eat them fresh or pop pitted cherries into the freezer to enjoy after cherry season is over. Try these simple and tasty ways to enjoy cherries this season:

1. Fresh Cherry Snack or Skewer: Rinse and enjoy cherries on their own for a quick, nutritious snack, or skewer them with other fruits or cubes of cheese.
   
2. Homemade Cherry Fruit Medley: Combine pitted cherries with summer fruits like blueberries, apricots, or peaches in unsweetened juice for a refreshing treat.
   
3. Cherry-Studded Pancakes: Fold chopped cherries into your pancake batter for a fruity twist.
4. Cherry Almond Oats: Cook oatmeal as usual and stir in slivered almonds, a dash of vanilla, and chopped cherries for added flavor.
5. Cherry Yogurt Pops: Blend vanilla Greek yogurt with pitted cherries and a splash of milk or cherry juice, then freeze in popsicle molds.
6. Quick Cherry Compote: Simmer cherries with a little lemon water and a pinch of sugar, perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, crepes, or French toast.
7. Cherry Yogurt Parfait: Layer vanilla or cherry yogurt with sliced cherries and granola in a glass or bowl for a beautiful, tasty treat.
   
8. Cherry Lemon Refresher: Blend cherries with water, lemon juice, and a hint of sugar, then pour over ice for a cooling summer drink.
9. Cherry Chia Pudding: Make a vanilla chia pudding and top with fresh cherries, or try this Chocolate Chia Pudding topped with sliced cherries for a yummy and healthy dessert option.
   
10. Cherry Green Salad: Toss your favorite greens with vinaigrette, then add pitted cherry slices, toasted nuts or seeds, and crumbled feta or goat cheese.
    
11. Brie, Arugula & Cherry Baguette: Slice a baguette and top with brie, halved cherries, and arugula for a simple lunch or appetizer.
12. Cherry Breakfast Smoothie: Blend vanilla yogurt, milk, frozen bananas, and fresh or frozen cherries for a creamy breakfast or snack.
13. Cherry Salsa: Mix chopped onions, fresh herbs (cilantro or basil), lime juice, salt, and optional jalapeño for a sweet and spicy salsa, perfect with chips or grilled meats.
    
14. Cherry Crisp or Muffins: Add diced cherries to your favorite fruit crisp or muffin recipe for a summery update.
15. Cherry Clafoutis: Make this classic French dessert with cherries, either baked in the oven or grilled on the BBQ. Grab the recipe here for Cherry Clafoutis.
    

Bonus: Looking for more ideas your kids can make? Try these recipes using cherries for fruit nachos and frozen fruit bark here: Easy & Healthy Kids Snack Ideas.

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