Sandy’s Food for Thought: A Cherry on Top
By Sandy McCall
Fresh cherries are a delight! Cherries are a wonderful snack but you can also create some great recipes by using them. All varieties are highly nutritious and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One cup (154 grams) of sweet, raw, pitted cherries provides
Calories: 97
Protein: 2 grams
Carbs: 25 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin C: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
Potassium: 10% of the DV
Copper: 5% of the DV
Manganese: 5% of the DV
Not only do they contain an array of powerful plant compounds that can help reduce inflammation, but eating them may improve sleep, boost heart health, and speed recovery after exercise. Healthline.com
Cherry Salsa is a simple way to include cherries in your diet and spice up tacos, tostados and quesadillas and you might try using it on your favorite sandwich or entree. This Salsa goes especially well with chicken and turkey.
Cherry Salsa
1 cup fresh sweet cherries, *pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or basil works well too)
1 small finely chopped & seeded Poblano pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash or two of Sriracha sauce, or to taste
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process slightly; refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
*Investing a few dollars in a cherry pitter saves lots of time
