Peak of Season: Cherries

Did you know? The cherry is the official state fruit of Utah! With only about 75 calories per cup of cherries, these are a perfect summer snack!  Here are a few more reasons to eat cherries:

Cherries are fun to eat (and spit), and are perfect for an outdoor BBQ or midday snack.
They are a great source of anthocyanin, an antioxidant that provides the red, blue and purple pigments found in fruits and veggies. The American Institute for Cancer Research has deemed cherries as a “food that fights cancer” due to anthocyanin, which slows the growth of cancer cells.
Cherries provide fiber which can also reduce rates of cancer, particularity colorectal cancer and can help consumers maintain a healthy weight.
Athletes may also consume tart cherry juice, which provides an anti-inflammatory effect after exercise and helps to reduce muscle pain for a faster recovery!

Try Chef Lesli’s recipe for Grilled Strawberry and Cherry Kebabs ASAP to enjoy peak of season cherries in a delicious summer dessert!