Tart cherries, also known as sour cherries, are a variety of cherry that differs from the more common sweet cherries. They are known for their unique flavor and have been associated with various health benefits. Tart cherries are different from sweet cherries in color and taste. Tart cherries generally have red color like fire truck color and have crisp and tart taste. Like sweet cherries, tart cherries are also rich in antioxidants and provide many health benefits.

Tart cherries contain high amounts of Vitamin C, polyphenol compounds, potassium, magnesium and carotenoids.

Here are some potential benefits of tart cherries:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Tart cherries contain compounds, such as anthocyanins and other antioxidants, that have anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming tart cherry products may help reduce inflammation in the body.
2. Improved sleep quality: Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Consuming tart cherry juice or eating tart cherries may help improve sleep quality and duration.
3. Joint health: The anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherries may benefit individuals with conditions such as arthritis by potentially reducing joint pain and inflammation.
4. Exercise recovery: Some studies suggest that tart cherry juice may help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after intense physical activity. This is attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content.
5. Heart health: The antioxidants in tart cherries may contribute to heart health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are factors associated with cardiovascular diseases.
6. Cognitive function improvement: Higher antioxidant and flavonoid content in tart cherries makes it a perfect food for brain cells. Daily consumption of tart cherries improves cognitive function such as memory retention, focusing and learning abilities. It reduces hypertension and anxiety.
7. Blood pressure regulation: There is some evidence to suggest that tart cherry consumption may contribute to the regulation of blood pressure, potentially due to the presence of certain bioactive compounds.
8. Improved cognitive function: The antioxidants in tart cherries may have neuroprotective effects, potentially benefiting cognitive function and reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
9. Weight management: Some research indicates that tart cherry consumption may help in managing weight and reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions. This effect is thought to be linked to the anti-inflammatory properties and potential impact on metabolism.
10. Gout management: Tart cherries have been studied for their potential role in managing gout, a type of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce symptoms associated with gout attacks.
11. Anticancer properties: Some studies suggest that the compounds found in tart cherries may have anticancer properties, although more research is needed in this area.

How to consume tart cherries?

While we can eat sweet cherries as snack, tart cherries because of sourness, mostly used in dried form, as juice or juice concentrates and in the form of supplements. Frozen tart cherries are used in baking and cooking to enhance taste (like that of cherry pies). It is also used in smoothies and in breakfast with cereals and waffles.

Image credit: Larry & Teddy Page: Red tart cherries growing on the Schlueter Cherry Farms, Leelanau County, Michigan https://www.flickr.com/photos/igboo/  (CC by 2.0)