When we think about Cherries, we tend to associate them with the beautiful garnish over a delicious dessert or drink. But this eye-appealing tiny fruit has a lot to offer even beyond its ornamental value.

Cherries are lovely rounded stone fruits with attractive deep red colour. They are seasonal and available in a lot of varieties and sizes. Largely the two common variants of cherries are sweet (generally eaten raw as fruit), sour (generally used in cooking).

Cherries are a potent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They are rich in vitamin E, C, A, potassium, fibre; low in calories and particularly known to have natural melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep).

Health Benefits:

• Cherries are a rich source of skin-friendly antioxidants, (particularly vitamin E, C), that protect cells from free radical damage, thereby delay the ageing process.
• They also aid in collagen formation of bones and skin.
• Cherries promote cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels and help in maintaining electrolyte balance and blood pressure.
• Cherries are said to be the Superfood for Joints as they help decrease the uric acid levels in the blood thereby alleviating inflammation, swelling, arthritic pain and gout.
• They are also known to be helpful in the treatment of Urinary tract infections (UTI).
• Cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep.
• They are low on calories and high on fibre, help regulate blood sugar, aid weight loss and improve digestion.

Cherries can be consumed in the raw, cooked, juiced or dried form. They are great as a snack and are also used for toppings in salads, juices or desserts (cakes, muffins, tarts, ice-creams). Apart from improving the nutritional value, Cherries add colour to an otherwise dull preparation.

Having said that, Cherries are a perfect combination of nutrition, flavour, taste and appearance, definitely doing justice to the adage ‘Cherry On The Top’.