
I love cherries especially Bing and Rainier. Did you know there actually over 27 types and over 1000 different varieties of cherries. If you don't like one there are more opportunities to entice your tastebuds.
Cherries are believed originally came from western Asia. The cherry tree is in the family of Prunus.
Prunus subg Cerasus is said to be the tree cherry.
Most of you may know from school in the US the story of George Washington chopping down the Cherry tree. This was my first encounter that lives in the recesses of my mind.
As a child I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to eat cherries its delicious red skin so sweet and tart at the same time. Old George must have been crazy to chop that tree down not knowing the benefits of the delicious fruit. But however, that's another story to unfold. Besides its deliciousness it also has a few benefits. I occasionally meet quite a few people with gout. I tell them eat cherries or drink a few tablespoons of cherry concentrate. Why is that? According to an article in The Alternative Daily it helps to relieve pain. The crimson color of tart cherries (which include Montmorency and Balaton cherries) comes from antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which have been linked to a wide array of benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Some research has even found that these compounds can provide more pain relief than NSAID medications including ibuprofen and naproxen.
Did you know? Tart cherries (Montmorency) actually contain a natural form of melatonin that can help you to naturally get sleepy and more easily fall asleep.
I've found frozen tart cherries a few times in specialty grocery stores, which can be added to your morning smoothie.
I've also found tart cherry concentrate in health food stores that you can add to beverages such as water and other juices. You can mix cherry concentrate with a sugar free cranberry juice for an extra zing.
Or you can have a caffeine-free herbal tea at night and add a teaspoon of cherry juice to help boost your natural melatonin. I use 1 spoonful of tart cherry concentrate in a cup of chamomile or mint tea late at night. This helps immensely for calming down and falling asleep at night. Tart cherries may help relieve a variety of types of inflammatory pain, including osteoarthritis pain, muscle pain and headaches (including migraines). Additionally, they have been specifically found to have therapeutic value for those suffering from gout, which is characterized by joint pain stemming from uric acid buildup in the blood. There are several cherry juice brands in the market pay attention to additives such as sugar and preservatives.
Fresh Cherries are also an excellent source of fiber as well. I definitely know this firsthand immediately.
Cherry trees grow well in USDA Zones 5 thru 8. So, next time you go out grocery shopping budget in these wonderful, delicious cherries and trust me you would want to plant a cherry tree than chopping it down!
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not to treat, cure or diagnose.
Some information was obtained from the Alternative Daily . Please check out Mrs Jacks Pantry' Herbs in the Kitchen for addtional information
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