Hello my Foodie Friends!
Calling all Cherry lovers! Our time is here and we have waited long enough. My cherry pitters have arrived and they are flying off the shelves. I love cherries especially cherry pie. Last night I pitted and ate some delicious cherries and I slept like a baby. Who knew that they helped with sleep? Recently Dr. Russell J. Reiter, professor of neuroendocrinology at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio put some hard science behind the cherry folklore. He conducted a five-month study and found that tart cherries contain significant amounts of melatonin, a hormone produced in the brain’s pineal gland that has been credited with slowing the aging process, and fighting insomnia and jet lag. It’s also being studied as a potential treatment for cancer, depression and other diseases and disorders. The findings mark the first time melatonin has been pegged as a naturally occurring substance in food, although trace amounts are evident in bananas, corn and other foods, Reiter says. Reiter further asserts that; “The combination of antioxidants in cherries can be very beneficial.”
Cherry season is a blessing and a curse: the former because fresh cherries are delicious, and the latter because the pits make it hard to eat them, let alone cook with them.
Most Cherry pitters can also pit olives. At Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs; we carry a Cherry and Olive Pitter with locking handle to quickly and easily remove pits from cherries and olives without bruising or crushing fruit or waste fruit. Perfect for canning, freezing, dehydrating and baking cherries. Handles lock together for easy storage and spring action handle makes for easier and more comfortable pitting when handling a large load. A Cherry Pitter will make your life a lot easier with all of the delicious cherry recipes that are out there.
By the way, I still love listening to Neil Diamond songs; especially while we are in the kitchen cooking or driving in the car. One of our favorites is “Cherry, Cherry.” Remember Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”
Take Care,
John & Paula
UPCOMING EVENT:
“Pancakes and Panini’s”
Join us for a Follow-up Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill Demo at Compliments to the Chef on Saturday August 4 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with Professor/Chef Rocco Verrigni.
Chef Rocco Verrigni will be back on Saturday August 4 as a follow-up to the Indoor/ Outdoor Electric Grill Demonstration. Join us for a “Pancakes and Panini’s” demonstration using the Chef Choice Electric grill and griddle plate. Come by to see how to use this essential tool and accessories. Check out our assortment of grill accessories as well.