Dried cherries are a popular and versatile dried fruit known for their sweet-tart flavour and chewy texture.
Dried cherries pack a powerful nutritional punch, offering concentrated levels of the beneficial compounds found in fresh cherries. Here’s why they deserve a place in your diet:
Dried Cherries Nutrition Facts (Per 100g)
(Based on USDA data and clinical studies)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value | Key Benefits |
|---|
| Calories | 333 kcal | — | Concentrated energy |
| Carbohydrates | 82.5g | 30% | Quick fuel source |
| – Dietary Fiber | 6.5g | 26% | Gut health, cholesterol |
| – Sugars | 70.5g | — | Natural fructose/glucose |
| Protein | 2.1g | 4% | Muscle maintenance |
| Fat | 0.7g | 1% | Negligible fat content |
Micronutrient Powerhouse
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value | Key Benefits |
|---|
| Vitamin A | 128 IU | 3% | Eye health |
| Vitamin C | 3.2 mg | 5% | Reduced from fresh (heat-sensitive) |
| Vitamin K | 24.3 mcg | 30% | Blood clotting, bones |
| Potassium | 376 mg | 11% | Blood pressure control |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | Oxygen transport |
| Magnesium | 28 mg | 7% | Muscle/nerve function |
| Copper | 0.3 mg | 33% | Iron absorption |
Exceptional Antioxidant Profile
• Contain 20x more anthocyanins than most berries
• Rich in quercetin (a potent anti-inflammatory)
• High ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) for fighting free radicals
Natural Pain & Inflammation Relief
• Arthritis symptom reduction (comparable to NSAIDs in some studies)
• Post-workout muscle recovery (reduces DOMS by up to 30%)
• Gout attacks (lowers uric acid by 35% with regular consumption)
Sleep & Circadian Rhythm Support
• One of few food sources of natural melatonin(0.1-0.3mg per 100g)
• Enhances sleep quality and duration
• Particularly beneficial for shift workers and jet lag
Daily Dose: Just 1/4 cup (40g) provides therapeutic benefits without excess sugar.
Dried cherries stand out among dried fruits for their unique combination of sleep-supporting, anti-inflammatory, and recovery-enhancing properties – making them particularly valuable for athletes, arthritis sufferers, and anyone seeking better sleep naturally. Their impressive research-backed benefits justify their superfood status.
Short-Term Storage (Up to 1 Month)
Signs of Spoilage
🚫 Mold – Discard if you see fuzzy white/green spots.
🚫 Off Smell – A sour or fermented odor means they’ve gone bad.
🚫 Hard or Sticky Texture – Over-dried cherries are safe but less tasty; sticky pieces may indicate excess moisture.
Best Ways to Use Stored Dried Cherries
🍒 Snack on them alone for a sweet-tart treat.
🍒 Mix into trail mix, yogurt, or oatmeal.
🍒 Bake into muffins, granola bars, or salads.
🍒 Blend into smoothies or energy bites.