Organic Dried Cherries

With all the unhealthy food options available to us today, it is important to be conscious of the things we eat; health care is not cheap, and there is no cheaper health insurance policy than a healthy diet and regular exercise. Believe it or not, organic dried cherries could help you have that healthy diet.

But with all the unhealthy foods available to us at every turn it is important to realize that temptation will always be something you have to deal with.  You will always feel the urge to snack on something occasionally.

Because of the certainty of this urge, it is a good idea to plan for it by keeping a stock of delicious snacks around the house that are not heavy in fat, sodium, cholesterol, or high fructose corn syrup.

Fruits make excellent healthy snacks, and, because of cherries health benefits, this fruit is a favorite of many.  Cherries are high in vitamin C and potassium; they contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which studies have attributed anti-inflammatory properties to; they contain melatonin, which can be used as a sleep aid; and they are high in fiber with little or no fat and no cholesterol, making them good for your heart.

Even though cherries are not in season for very long compared to most fruits, organic dried cherries allow you to take advantage of cherries health benefits at any time of the year for a reasonable price, especially if you are buying in bulk.

Buying organic dried cherries in bulk may sound a bit overwhelming, but there are more uses for them than simply snacking.  Incorporating dried cherries into your cooking is a great way to put a new spin on an old recipe.  There are two ways to incorporate them: powdering them, and re-hydrating them.  The former is best for milkshakes or smoothies, while the latter works best for things like breads and gelatin desserts.

When re-hydrating organic dried cherries it is faster to boil them.  However, it is generally recommended that instead you soak them for longer in water at room temperature to avoid losing most of the nutrition in the cherries.

An important thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for organic dried cherries is that there are many different types of cherries, ranging from sweet to bitter.  Rainier, Bing, and Lambert are a few of the sweeter types, while Morello and Montmorency are more bitter.

Also remember to keep in mind that each type of cherry will provide you with a different range of nutrients and antioxidants.  It is important, especially if you are buying cherries for a specific health-related property, that you make sure the kind of cherries you buy are known for that specific property.

And remember that no two cherry-growers use exactly the same methods, so comparing Bings to Bings does not always guarantee equal quality.  Try to read product reviews if you can.

Besides being available at all times of the year, dried cherries are a great choice because they stay good for longer, helping you avoid having to throw away uneaten food.  Dried fruit is also cheaper to store than fresh fruit, as it does not take up room in your refrigerator and therefore uses less energy.  Not to mention the fact that you can take it anywhere; on a hike or a road trip, to a picnic or baseball game, etc.—without having to bring a cooler.  Dried cherries are an all-around delicious, convenient way to eat healthy.

Our cherries site has everything you could possibly want to know about cherries as well as their health benefits. Who would have thought something that taste so good, could be so good for you.