Cherries are brightly colored jewels full of antioxidants that help fight cancer, heart disease and inflammation.  The anti-inflammatory properties have shown particularly helpful for people who suffer from gout.  Melatonin is found in tart cherries; this can make you sleep better at night and be more wakeful in the daytime.  Cherries contain compounds that can even relieve headaches.  20 cherries are 10 times stronger than aspirin.  So take 20 the next time you have a headache! 

 "Fresh cherry season may be a sweet time for people with arthritis.

Recent studies by USDA researchers revealed that fresh Bing cherries may contain anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially help ease osteoarthritis pain. In the study, people who had eaten cherries for breakfast had lower blood levels of C-reactive protein and nitric oxide, both of which are markers of inflammatory disease.

Cherries are only available for three months during the summer (end of May to early July) so get them while they're in season!

Bing Cherries are the most common cherries on the market.  They are big, firm and round with a deep inviting mahogany red to almost black color and a sweet rich flavor.  The color is rich inside too.  These will last about a week in your refrigerator, if you can control yourself that long.

Black Tartarian: This tree is beautiful and ornamental every spring, with blossoms that are famous, setting off waxy green foliage. Harvest time brings clusters of mouth-watering fruits, followed by the golden colors of autumn. Fruits vary in color (depending on where grown) from a purplish-black to cherry-red.

Sour Cherries or "pie cherries" are usually Montmorency cherries.  They are tart and even better for us nutritionally!  Most sour cherries are canned and sold for pie fillings.  They are also used for juices and juice concentrate.  They are smaller and have a bright red color when fresh.  Balaton is a newer tart cherry.

Facts:

Nutritionally: Low in calories and is high in antioxidants, anthocyanin, Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, B Complex and minerals as well as being a good source of Potassium and Boron.  Boron works with calcium and magnesium for stronger bones.  They contain pectin, which is a soluble fiber that helps control blood cholesterol levels.  Sour Cherries have more Vitamin C (but much of that is lost when cooked).  They also contain the antioxidants quercetin, a flavanoid with anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and anticancer fighting power.    

How to store: Cherries are quite temperature sensitive so get them into the refrigerator as quickly as possible.  Store them unwashed loosely (and preferably in a single layer to prevent bruising) so the air can circulate around them in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable compartment of the fridge. Cherries are perishable and you should plan to use them soon after purchase. You can freeze cherries for a year!