Cherry

Yes, cherries are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tart cherries (especially Montmorency variety) contain particularly high melatonin levels. Studies show drinking 8 oz of tart cherry juice twice daily (morning and evening) can increase sleep time by 84 minutes and improve sleep efficiency. The combination of melatonin, anthocyanins, and tryptophan in cherries supports natural sleep regulation. Effects typically appear within 1-2 weeks of regular consumption. Tart cherry juice 30-60 minutes before bed works best. This natural approach offers a gentler alternative to synthetic melatonin supplements without side effects.

Tart and sweet cherries offer different benefits. Tart cherries (Montmorency) contain higher concentrations of anthocyanins, melatonin, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them superior for medicinal purposes like reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and aiding recovery. Studies on health benefits primarily use tart cherry juice. Sweet cherries (Bing, Rainier) are higher in natural sugars, making them better for fresh eating and desserts. Tart cherries have 20x more vitamin A but are too sour for most people to eat fresh - they're typically consumed as juice, dried, or cooked. For health benefits, choose tart cherry juice or supplements. For snacking and cooking, sweet cherries excel. Both are nutritious - choose based on your purpose.

Most adults can enjoy 1-2 cups of fresh cherries daily (about 21-42 cherries or 140-280g), providing excellent nutrition without excessive sugar. This amount delivers substantial antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. For tart cherry juice (medicinal purposes), research supports 8-16 oz daily split into two doses. Dried cherries are more concentrated - limit to 1/4 cup (about 40g) daily due to higher sugar and calorie content. Children can eat 1/2 to 1 cup fresh cherries daily. Diabetics should monitor portions and pair with protein for stable blood sugar. More isn't necessarily better - moderation provides benefits without digestive upset or excessive sugar intake.

No, cherry stems are not typically eaten and offer no nutritional value. They're woody, fibrous, and unpalatable. However, stems indicate freshness - green, flexible stems mean cherries are fresh, while brown, brittle stems suggest age. Always remove stems before eating cherries. Some cultures use cherry stems to make herbal tea (cherry stem tea) claimed to have diuretic properties, though scientific evidence is limited. The fruit itself provides all the nutritional benefits. Cherry pits should absolutely never be eaten as they contain cyanogenic compounds that produce cyanide when crushed or chewed.

Yes, cherry pits contain amygdalin, a compound that converts to cyanide when crushed, chewed, or broken. Swallowing whole pits accidentally is generally harmless as they pass through intact. However, crushing or chewing pits releases cyanide which is toxic. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, seizures or death. Children are particularly vulnerable due to smaller body size. Always remove pits before eating or cooking cherries. Never give whole cherries to young children due to choking and poisoning risks. Commercial cherry products (juice, jam, pie filling) have pits removed. If you accidentally bite a pit, spit it out immediately - don't chew or swallow.

Fresh cherry season runs late May through August in the Northern Hemisphere, with peak availability varying by region and variety. California cherries arrive earliest (late May-June), followed by Washington State (June-August), the nation's largest producer. Oregon and Michigan harvest mid-June through July. Sweet cherries typically peak June-July, while tart cherries (primarily Michigan) peak in July. Southern Hemisphere countries (Chile, Australia, New Zealand) provide fresh cherries December-February, extending availability during winter. Frozen, dried, and canned cherries are available year-round. For best flavor and value, buy fresh cherries at peak season from local farmers markets. Imported cherries available year-round but lack peak-season flavor and cost significantly more.

Yes, scientific evidence supports tart cherry juice's anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show Montmorency tart cherry juice reduces inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, inflammatory cytokines) by up to 25%. Athletes using tart cherry juice experience reduced muscle soreness, faster recovery (24-48 hours faster), and decreased inflammation after intense exercise. Research also shows benefits for arthritis, reducing pain and stiffness by lowering inflammatory compounds. The mechanism involves anthocyanins and other polyphenols inhibiting inflammatory enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2, similar to NSAIDs but natural). Effective doses are typically 8-12 oz twice daily. Effects appear within 1-2 weeks of regular consumption. While not a cure, tart cherry juice offers natural anti-inflammatory support comparable to some medications without side effects.

Dogs can eat cherry flesh in very small amounts, but cherries are NOT recommended due to serious risks. The flesh is technically safe, but cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic compounds producing cyanide when crushed. Even small amounts can cause cyanide poisoning in dogs with symptoms including dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums, and shock. Whole cherries pose choking hazards and intestinal blockage risks. The effort to pit cherries safely isn't worth the minimal nutritional benefit for dogs - many safer fruit alternatives exist (apples without seeds, blueberries, watermelon). If your dog accidentally eats a cherry or two, monitor for symptoms and contact your vet if concerns arise. Never intentionally feed cherries to dogs.