The Easiest Way to Pit Cherries

Do you love cherries but not the hassle of removing the pits? I’ve got a video showing you The Easiest Way to Pit Cherries without a cherry pitter!

Image by candoyi from Pixabay

There are many fruits to enjoy in season during the summer, but CHERRIES are one of my favorites! Unfortunately, they come complete with those pesky little pits which make eating them slightly challenging and less than pretty. Fortunately for all of us, I discovered The Easiest Way to Pit Cherries without a cherry pitter! Scroll down for the video 🙂

Cherries have lots of health benefits

But first, let’s talk about why cherries are so amazing! Cherries are in season all summer long, from late May to August and are packed with antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and small amounts of calcium and iron.  Cherries are best known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Cherries contain the antioxidant, anthocyanin and boast the highest concentration among most fruits.

The benefits of consuming cherries include reduced pain from gout and arthritis, as well as many heart health benefits including a reduction in cholesterol, and a decreased risk for atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. The anti-inflammatory benefits can also reduce post-exercise muscle and joint pain, helping athletes reduce muscle damage to recover faster from a tough workout!

Cherries contain 77 calories for 1 cup, and include 2.5 g fiber. For those of you limiting carbs, I never recommend eliminating fruit because of the important role produce plays in our overall health. If you have prediabetes or diabetes, the anthocyanins in cherries have been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity which can assist in controlling blood sugar.

Add cherries to sweet and savory meals

Of course, while perfectly delicious as is, cherries are also fabulous tossed on oatmeal, cereal, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, French toast, pancakes or waffles. Blend them into smoothies or add on top of your smoothie bowl. Dip them in melted dark chocolate for a healthier sweet treat. They also make a wonderful add-in to salsa or poach well for a delicious topping on chicken or fish. The possibilities are endless.

In the summer, I especially love cherry-infused water with mint to cool you off and keep you hydrated.

There are many cherry varieties, sweet or sour:

Montgomery Cherries are best known as sour cherries. They are mostly found canned or frozen and will contain the highest concentration of anthocyanin. 

Bing Cherries are the best known sweet variety. They are a large, round, extra-sweet cherry with purple-red flesh and deep red skin. It’s almost black when ripe. Bing Cherries are in season late May until early August.

Lambert Cherries are a little smaller with dark-red skin and a rich flavor. They are also available late May until early August. 

Rainier Cherries are milder and sweeter than the Bing with a sweet, yellow or pink skin.

The easy way to remove cherry pits

How to store cherries

Make the most of these precious super fruits. Store unwashed cherries in plastic bags in the refrigerator. Remember to wash them well before consuming them.

You can freeze cherries by rinsing and draining well. Remove the pits, spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer overnight. Once frozen they can be transferred to a heavy plastic bag and can be kept frozen for up to a year!

To poach cherries use one cup of water and two cups of pitted cherries, perfect to top almost any lean meat or fish.

To learn more about all things cherries, go to http://www.choosecherries.com/

What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy cherries?  Please share in the comments below!

Watch the video! How to remove cherry pits without a pitter!

And if the metal straw method doesn’t work for you, I do have a favorite cherry pitter that makes removing them quick and easy. Enjoy your fresh cherries while they last!!!