|
Cherries – Superfood!
You might already know that cherries
are chock-full of nutrients and antioxidants that can help prevent heart
disease and cancer , relieve arthritis, and aid in increased bone health.
What you might not know is that in
two studies conducted in 2005, researchers concluded that dried fruit actually
has a significantly higher antioxidant activity than fresh fruit due to the
polyphenolic concentration and some other processes that occur during drying.
The major phenol present in cherries are anthocyanins ,
also found in wine. A study in 2005 found that consuming fruits with phenolics
can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
In addition to having a higher antioxidant activity than fresh fruit, dried
fruits have a higher total energy, nutrient density, and fiber content compared
with fresh fruits due to concentration.
Cherry Facts – Did You Know?
- Cherries
and other stone fruits are in the Rosacea (Rose) family – along with
raspberries, strawberries, apples, pears, plums, and of course, roses!
- Turkey is the leading producer
of cherries in the world with 20% of the world’s tonnage. The U.S. trails
closely behind at 15%, followed by Iran (11%), Italy (7%), and Russia
(5%).
- Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are mainly consumed as fresh fruit – which are the type of
cherries we grow and dry here at Bella Viva. After all, the most
delectable dried fruit is a result of what was once the sweetest fruit on
the trees! Sour cherries (Prunus
cerasus L.) are mostly used
in processed products such as freezing, canning, and juices.
|
