According to choosecherries.com, an organization funded by the Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI), evidence shows that tart cherries (commonly enjoyed as dried & frozen cherries, and cherry juice) have many important health benefits.

Some of their interesting facts are shown below.

Heart-healthy dried cherries are certified by the American Heart Association. Their RED color comes from powerful antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins that, according to research, may reduce risk factors for heart disease.  

Cherries are the new “Super Fruit”. Dried tart cherries have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate. Cherries have also found to:

• help ease the pain of arthritis and gout
• reduce risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers
• help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm
• prevent memory loss
• delay the aging process

Cherries are a natural way to fight jet lag. Recent studies have proven that dried tart cherries are high in melatonin, an antioxidant produced naturally by the body that helps regulate biorhythm and natural sleep patterns. Eating cherries can be a natural way to hasten sleep and ease jet lag.

Daily Servings Needed: Although there’s no definite guideline on number of cherries needed to attain the health benefits, experts suggest that 1-2 servings daily can help provide some of the health benefits. One serving of dried cherries is approximately 1/4 cup.  

It's Easy to Enjoy Cherries Every Day: Kokopelli’s offers dried tart cherries year-round – the Cherry Marketing Institute has suggested some great ways to include this new "Super Fruit" in your daily routine.

• Grab and Go – Get your antioxidants on-the-go with an easy "do-it-yourself" trail mix using dried cherries, almonds and whole-grain cereal. Or add dried cherries to ready-made granola.
• Brighten up Breakfast – Swap your typical berries for dried cherries and add them to your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt or pancakes. Just a cup of dried tart cherries gives you one whole serving of fruit!
• Make Salads Sensational – Add dried cherries to tossed salads, fruit salads and chicken salads for added taste and nutrition.
• Switch from Blue to Red – Make a change from your standard blueberry muffin recipe and use dried or frozen cherries instead.
• Straight from the Bag – Keep a stash of dried cherries on hand for an antioxidant-rich snack break.
• C is for Cookie... and Cherries – Enjoy a new twist on the standard oatmeal raisin cookie by using dried cherries instead of raisins.
• Greater Grains – Add dried cherries to couscous, rice pilaf, grits, risotto and pasta.

Our Southwest Specialties offer dried tart cherries.
And, our Brew Bread with Cherries & Pecans is one of our top sellers!