Cherry is a fruit rich in antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, and minerals such as potassium and calcium, aiding in strengthening the immune system and fighting premature aging.
Green stalks are signs that the fruit is fresh and it is important to keep it stored in the refrigerator to increase shelf life and decrease vitamin C losses that occur over time.
Thus, frequent consumption of cherries brings health benefits such as:
- Prevent atherosclerosis, being rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants;
- Combat inflammation in the body by containing vitamin C;
- Prevent colon and stomach cancer, as anthocyanins protect the intestine;
- Prevents heart disease by helping to control cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis;
- Improve skin, eye, nail and hair health by being rich in beta-carotene;
- Reduce the symptoms of arthritis by acting as anti-inflammatory.
To get these benefits, you should consume about 10 cherries per day, the equivalent of a hand full of these fruits and, to maximize the results, the peels should not be removed before consumption.
Nutrition information and how to use it
The following table shows the nutritional composition in 100 g of fresh cherries.
| Amount per 100 g | |||
| Energy: 394 kcal | |||
| Protein | 0.8 g | Carotenoids | 141mg |
| Carbohydrate | 13.3 g | Folic acid | 5 mcg |
| Fat | 0.7 g | Calcium | 14 mg |
| Fiber | 1.6 g | salt | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 24 mg | Potassium | 210 mg |
Cherries can be eaten as dessert from main meals or in snacks, and can also be used to make juices, vitamins, desserts and cakes.
Cherry mousse
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry
- 300 g Greek yogurt
- 1 package or sheet of gelatin without flavor
- 3 tablespoons of water
Method of preparation:
Remove the lumps from the cherries and beat in the blender together with the yogurts and the condensed milk. Dissolve the gelatin in the water and add to the mixture, stirring well until homogenized. Refrigerate to freeze and serve.
Cherry and Chia Jelly
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry pitted
- 3 tablespoons demerara or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon chia seed
Method of preparation:
Put the cherries, sugar and water in a pan, letting it cook over low heat for about 15 minutes or until it is clear, remembering to stir not to stick to the bottom of the pan.
When the mixture thickens, add the chia seeds and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, as the chia will help to thicken the jelly. Remove from heat and store in a sterile glass vial. To sterilize the glass and lid, it should be placed in boiling water for 10 minutes.
