February 11, 2008

LANSING - With the snow flying and winter winds whipping, consumers can get a taste of summer with a deliciously sweet treat made with Michigan cherries. February is National Cherry Month, and with Valentine’s Day approaching, delicious Michigan dark or milk chocolate-covered dried cherries are sure to please.

"Michigan grows more red tart cherries than any other state, producing 70 to 75 percent of the crop each year, giving Traverse City, Michigan its claim to fame as the ‘Cherry Capital of the World’," said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) director. "And, thanks to the availability of dried and frozen cherries and cherry juice, we can enjoy deliciously healthy, Michigan-grown cherries year-round."

According to the Cherry Marketing Institute, cherries are one of the few known food sources of melatonin, a potent antioxidant that may help improve the body’s natural sleep patterns. Cherries also contain phytonutrients known as anthocyanins. These plant pigments are responsible for the color of the fruit and have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including protection against heart disease and some cancers. On-going research also suggests cherries may help reduce inflammation and ease the pain of arthritis and gout, and may play a role in reducing the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance syndrome.

Cherries can be used for just about any menu item - from appetizers and main dishes to desserts and snacks, and for any meal of the day. Dried cherries are great for snacks, salads, and cereals. Frozen cherries are ideal for baking or making sauces. Cherry juice concentrate and 100 percent ready-to-drink cherry juice are tasty, healthy alternatives to other juices and non-juice beverages.

Cherries are among the 200 agricultural products grown in Michigan, all of which are part of the state’s annual $63.7 billion agriculture industry. Purchasing local food and agriculture products throughout the year has a huge impact on the state’s economy, with the added benefit of freshness, quality, great taste, and tradition, thrown in for good measure.

In fact, for every dollar spent locally, three to seven different local businesses are impacted before that dollar leaves the local economy. If every household spends just $10 per week of their current grocery budget on local foods, it would keep more than $37 million circulating weekly within Michigan.

For some taste-tempting cherry recipes, more information about MDA’s Select Michigan program, or a list of some of Michigan’s specialty food companies and products, visit www.selectmichigan.org.

Check out MDA's cherry recipies here.