Dried Tart Cherries

Cherries are known as "super fruits" for their nutrition and antioxidants. Dried cherries ensure their availability 12 months of the year. Among the health benefits offered by dried cherries are opportunities to lose weight, cut cholesterol, and combat diabetes and heart disease. Other benefits include the taste and convenience of dried cherries--terrific in trail mix, as a snack straight out of the bag, and stirred into the morning oatmeal, cereal, yogurt or pancakes.

Nutrition

According to The Vegan Diet, cherries are rich in Vitamin C, A--beta carotene--and such minerals as calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and zinc, among others. Nutrient levels of dried cherries are about as high as fresh, and their natural sugars can provide a swift burst of energy. Though higher than in sweet cherries, the nutrient levels of tart cherries diminish slightly in processing. Dried cherries are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and calories, and they contain almost 20 different antioxidants.

Health Benefits
According to Choose Cherries, cherries have higher disease-fighting antioxidants than most other fruits--and 19 times more beta carotene than blueberries and strawberries. Cherries contain a flavonoid--quercetin--which can help prevent heart disease, and a phenolic acid--amygdalin--shown to reduce tumor size and pain of the cancerous process. Cherries' anthocyanins help generate antioxidant cell protection and repair, ease pain from arthritis and gout, and lower blood cholesterol. According to the "Cherry Nutrition Report," the flavonoids also reduce the risk of pre-diabetes syndrome. Melatonin found in cherries help regulate natural sleep patterns, prevent memory loss, delay the aging process--and perhaps even ease jet lag. A recent study at the University of Michigan revealed a diet that included the consumption cherries lowered body weight, especially "belly" fat.

Benefits of Consuming

There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of dried cherries. Blend them with almonds and whole-grain cereal for a trail mix. Note that 1 cup of dried cherries equals a complete serving of fruit. Add dried cherries to tossed, fruit, and chicken salads. Substitute dried cherries in your blueberry muffin recipe. Keep a bag of dried cherries in your desk, purse, gym bag, or carry-on luggage. Add them to pasta, risotto, rice pilaf, grits, and couscous for a sharp dash of flavor. Try a few recipes like dried cherry apple pork chops; dried cherry oatmeal cookies; dried cherry walnut bread pudding; and dried cherry heart scones. According to King Orchards of northern Michigan, about 6 to 8 lbs of fresh tart cherries are required to make 1 lb of dried cherries. When stored in a cool, dry place, the minimum shelf life of dried cherries is 12 months.