Dehydrated natural sour cherries
Among the most beneficial food products for our well-being, cherries are almost at the top of the list, and in particular sour cherries – a more acidic variety, especially appreciated in recent centuries. Several new researches have that sour cherries provide useful nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins, let's see what they are.
Dried cherries without sugar: properties and benefits
The health benefits of black cherries are numerous, due to the high quality and quantity of antioxidants that help maintain the well-being of the body.
Cherry cherries contain a high amount of vitamin C and beta-carotene (vitamin A) which are elements considered anti-aging and useful for strengthening our immune system.
Both vitamins, in fact, are beneficial for eyesight and for our skin, thanks to their stimulation in the production of collagen. In addition to the skin, the form of collagen is important for the functions of blood vessels, bones and cartilage, gums and teeth.
Vitamin A also plays an important role in iron metabolism.
Amarena cherries are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, which counteract cellular aging, and improve blood circulation (because they strengthen the elasticity of the capillaries). Compared to cherries they have higher percentages of anthocyanins and melatonin.
In fact, some studies are investigating how this fruit can help against insomnia thanks to melatonin.
Anthocyanins can also help those suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, as they have a soothing effect on these inflammatory symptoms.
The fibers contained in natural black cherries help the well-being of intestinal transit, and provide support for the diuretic and laxative properties. They are excellent fruits against water retention, eliminating toxins and excess liquids. Thanks to this property, they promote regular blood pressure
In the natural version with no added sugar, they keep their flavor and provide good amounts of potassium. This element helps counteract muscle fatigue, and is invaluable for sportsmen looking for an energetic snack rich in potassium.
For those on a slimming diet, natural cherries with no added sugar are excellent for a filling snack, and reduced calories.
Origins and History of cultivation
The amarena is a small bitter cherry (amarena), darker than the classic one, with a bitter and sour taste. It is usually used to create the famous syrup and used as a decoration on rich chocolate desserts.
The origins of its plant are not clear, and if some scholars think it comes from the East, others make the plant derive already in prehistoric times on European soil.
Legend has it that the black cherry arrived in Italy from a Roman general's collection in Asia in 66 BC. Lucullus had these trees transplanted into his gardens, which then spread throughout the continent.
According to some, the black cherry variety was even perfected by Gennaro Fabbri in 1869 in Bologna. He began the commercial production of the fruit, in products born in 1905 under the Fabbri brand.
Fabbri black cherries are still famous today, among syrups and drinks, and the fruit remains a favorite in the preparation of liqueurs, jams and marmalades, cakes and ice cream.
Over time, sour cherries are also grown in other parts of the world, and they maintain that slightly acidic aftertaste compared to cherries. We know that there are different varieties of black cherries: sweet sour cherries, morello cherries and classic black cherries.
The fruits of the black cherries can be consumed and the stem used for diuretic infusions and decoctions. The leaves are also used in herbal medicine.
Plant and Fruit
The plants of this fruit are a variety of the sour cherry or Prunus Cerasus – Rosaceae family. They are 3 to 9 meters tall, larger than the classic cherry tree, and requireplenty of air and light.
The ideal climate is the Mediterranean one, to make them flower and then bear fruit, of all varieties. There are three types. The black cherry from which the black cherries are born, the visciolo that gives fruits with a more intense and sweet color, and then the morello cherry, with dark, bitter and acidic fruits.
In the world there are variants of black cherries such as the Morello Cherry and the Montmorency Cherry, and we remember that it also grows as a wild species.
The plant has a smooth bark, leaves up to 9 centimeters, a small petiole, flowers with white petals that arrive in spring. The fruits of the sour cherries are spherical like cherries, and about 2 centimeters in diameter. They are collected and dried in the sun, or with modern methods for dehydration.
Nutritional values of natural dried sour cherries
The caloric intake of natural cherries is 356 Kcal per 100 grams, and is due to the carbohydrates they contain, but without added sugar.
Among other useful micronutrients, natural dried sour cherry provides several fibers (1.4 %), almost zero fat (0.01%), a good supply of proteins ( 2%) vitamin C (about 12 mg per 100 g), beta-carotene (775 mcg) and vitamin A (about 1285 IU / 100 g).
Cherry cherries are a nutritious food, which possess minerals such as potassium (about 175 mg per 100 g), phosphorus (about 15 mg / 100 g), calcium (about 18 mg per 100 g), magnesium, manganese and iron.
How to consume natural dehydrated sour cherries in the kitchen or as a snack
Dried cherries are almost fat-free and are great savored as a hunger-busting snack – healthy candies.
The natural version with no added sugar makes the cherries suitable for use in the preparation of desserts. They are ideal for decorating ice creams, cakes and other types of pastry creations such as muffins, cupcakes.
They can be covered with a layer of dark chocolate, for those who want maximum gluttony, or in a light version by adding a portion to breakfast cereals. They can also flavor plain yogurt, smoothies, cocktails and aperitifs.
Dehydrated natural cherries, being sugar-free other than the natural ones, are excellent before and after sports training as an energy snack.
Dried cherries: side effects and contraindications
There are no particular precautions for taking natural cherries, but it is necessary to evaluate whether there is a possible intolerance or allergy to the food, perhaps connected to the cherry.
Like many dried fruit, dehydrated cherries have a sugar content which advises against excessive doses for those suffering from diabetes - even in the version of natural cherries without added sugar, blood sugar may be affected.
Being a food rich in fibre, in large doses the Amarena could cause a laxative action on the intestine.
