PROSSER, WA - As we step into the new year, many seek effortless ways to enhance their diets with nutritious foods, aiming to achieve goals such as improved sleep, elevated energy levels, better gut health, and more. This January, two notable names, Northwest Cherries and Chukar Cherries, are collaborating to highlight the research-backed advantages of Northwest sweet cherries and encourage their inclusion in daily nutrition plans.

Karley Lange from Northwest Cherries, which operates under the Washington State Fruit Commission, emphasizes the value of these fruits, stating, “Research shows that adding sweet cherries to your diet—regardless of whether they are fresh, frozen, dried, or jarred—offers powerful health benefits. Thanks to simple preservation techniques, cherries are not just a summer fruit!”

Extensive studies, in collaboration with Washington State University, have identified key health benefits:

• Rest Easier – Sweet cherries are a natural source of serotonin, melatonin, and tryptophan. Studies suggest that these compounds can improve the quality of sleep, giving the body time to repair and restore itself. Consuming a serving of cherries, about half a cup dried, an hour before bedtime can stabilize and regulate sleep.
• Lower Stress – Along with helping sleep patterns, serotonin may lower stress and improve mood. On a cellular level, cherry phenolics also work as antioxidants to offer some protection against oxidative stress.
• Support Gut Health – A recent study suggests that the phenolics and anthocyanins in dark sweet cherries may have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome. The compounds appear to keep in check certain bacteria linked to inflammation, preventing one type from proliferating and reducing the presence of another.
• Replenish Energy – With a lower glycemic index than most other fruits, dark sweet cherries help blood sugar stay level, and their fiber content keeps the body feeling full longer. Combined with heart-healthy nuts, dried sweet cherries make a perfect grab-and-go snack with staying power.
• Nourish Skin – Dark sweet cherries are rich in antioxidants, which can give winter skin a boost. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can age skin. Sweet cherries also contain Vitamin C, which has a role in collagen production and in maintaining a healthy complexion.

Family-owned Chukar Cherries has been dedicated to naturally dehydrating cherries from the Northwest for over 35 years, providing a flavorful and nutrient-rich option for those seeking healthy choices.

“We use locally grown, tree-ripened cherries. We dry our cherries at low temperatures to retain original nutritional value without added preservatives or sugar,” notes Tim Oten, General Manager of Chukar Cherries. This dedication allows consumers to enjoy a delicious and nutritious start to the year. Explore further for tips on incorporating sweet cherries into meals and snacks, enhancing diet and wellness goals.

ANUK will continue to keep you informed on the industry's latest, so stay tuned.