Fall Into Cherries: Preserving these precious stone fruits all year long

One of the greatest gifts of summer is fresh, deliciously ripe and juicy cherries. Whether tart or sweet, summertime is primetime for these mouthwatering little stone fruits. As summer nears its end and fall comes into sight, cherries season may begin to dwindle, however, there are many ways to preserve nature’s bounty of fresh cherries to enjoy them all year long. Whether you freeze, dry, can or make something tasty with your summer cherries, it’s guaranteed that you will be glad you did!

Freezing

There are several ways to pack cherries for freezing. The best method selected will depend on how you want to use the frozen product.

• Sugar pack. Mix 2/3 cup sugar per quart of sour cherries; or 1/3 cup sugar per quart of sweet cherries. To package, fill freezer containers to within 1/2 inch from top. If pint or quart freezer bags are used, fill to within 3/4 inches from the top. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Seal and label.
• Unsweetened pack. Without liquid or sweetening, pack cherries into containers to within 1/2 inch from top. If pint or quart freezer bags are used, fill to within 3/4 inches from the top. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Seal and label. The fruit may be sweetened at the time of serving.
• Loose cherry pack. Spread whole sweet cherries in a single layer on shallow trays or cookie sheets and freeze. Remove and quickly package in labeled freezer bags or containers removing as much air as possible from containers. Seal and return promptly to freezer.
• Syrup pack. A light syrup is recommended for sweet cherries and medium syrup for sour cherries. Allow 1/2 to 2/3 cup of syrup for each pint of fruit.

Frozen cherries should be used within 1 year.

DRYING

Wash fruit. Cut in half and remove pits. Cherries can be dried safely without any pretreatment, but pretreating may preserve the natural color and speed drying.

To pretreat: Ascorbic acid, available at drug stores, may be used. Prepare a solution of 1 to 2 1/2 teaspoons of pure ascorbic acid crystals to 1 quart cold water. Vitamin C tablets can be crushed and used (six 500 milligram tablets equal 1 teaspoon ascorbic acid). One cup treats about 5 quarts of cut cherries. Dip cut cherries in ascorbic acid solution. Soak for a few minutes, remove with a slotted spoon and drain well. Commercial antioxidant mixtures are not as concentrated as ascorbic acid but are more readily available in grocery stores.

Arrange fruit on drying trays in single layers, pit cavity up. Cherries will dry in 24 to 36 hours in a dehydrator, in the sun from 12 hours to four or five days, and in the oven from six to 24 hours. Properly dried cherries are leathery and shriveled.

Canning

Wash jars. Prepare lids according to manufacturer’s directions.

Prepare sugar syrup, if needed:

• Sugar Syrup Recipes
• Light: 1.5 cups sugar to 5.75 cups water
• Medium: 2.25 cups sugar to 5.25 cups water (recommended for sweet cherries)
• Heavy: 3.25 cups sugar to 5 cups water (recommended for Sour Cherries)

Stem and wash cherries. Remove pits if desired. If pitted, place cherries in water containing ascorbic acid to present stem-end discoloration (1 teaspoon of ascorbic acid or 3 grams in 1 gallon water). If canned unpitted, pricking skins on opposite sides with a clean needle will prevent splitting. Cherries may be canned in water, apple juice, white grape juice, or syrup. If syrup is desired, select and prepare preferred type as directed above. Medium syrup works well for sweet cherries and heavy syrup for sour cherries.

Hot pack– In a large saucepan add 1/2 cup water, juice, or syrup for each quart of drained fruit and bring to a boil. Fill sterilized jars with cherries and cooking liquid, leaving 1/2" headspace. Wipe the sealing edge of the jar with a clean, damp paper towel. Adjust lids. Process in a Boiling Water Bath: 10 Minutes for pint jars or 15 minutes for quart jars. Turn off heat at the end of processing and allow the kettle to sit for an additional 5 minutes before removing jars.

Raw pack– Add 1/2 cup hot water, juice, or syrup to each jar. Fill jars with drained cherries, shaking them down gently as filled. Add more hot liquid, leaving 1/2" headspace. Wipe the sealing edge of the jar with a clean, damp paper towel. Adjust lids.  Process in a Boiling Water Bath: 20 Minutes for pint jars or quart jars. Turn off heat at the end of processing and allow the kettle to sit for an additional 5 minutes before removing jars.

Canned cherries should be used within 18 months.

FRUIT LEATHER

Select ripe or slightly overripe fruit. Wash, pit, and drain well. Puree cherries in blender. Sweetener may be added in the form of honey, or sugar. Honey is best for long storage because it doesn’t crystallize. Sugar is good for immediate use or short storage. Sweeten to taste.  Bring cherry puree to a boil. Line a plate or cookie sheet with edges with plastic wrap. Smooth out the wrinkles. Pour the pureed fruit onto the cookie sheet in a 1/4 inch thick layer. Spread evenly.

• To dry in an oven- Place the tray on the center rack in an oven at lowest setting and prop oven door slightly open. Approximate drying time may be up to 18 hours.
• To dry in a dehydrator- Use specially designed dehydrator trays or plastic trays. Line with plastic wrap. Pour pureed fruit on the trays in a 1/8 inch thick layer. Spread evenly. Approximate drying time is 6-8 hours.
• Leather that is dry can be easily pulled from the plastic wrap. Fruit leather can be left on plastic or pulled from plastic wrap while still warm. Cool and re-wrap in plastic if needed.

Dried cherries and cherry fruit leather should be used within 1-2 years.

Make Pie Filling

CANNED PIE FILLING 

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1937,152184-225198,00.html
Content Copyright © 2011 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.

4 quarts chopped fruit
10 c. water
4 c. sugar
1 c. cornstarch or Clear Jel (recommended)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. almond or cherry liqueur (if canning cherries)

Combine ingredients in a stainless steel or enamel lined pot. Bring to a boil and boil 10 minutes; pack hot into hot jars. Leave 1/2-inch headspace. Adjust 2 piece lids.

Process pints 15 minutes, quarts 20 minutes in a boiling water bath canner.

Note: Cherries may be packed cold into jars and covered with water or liqueur or a combination of the two; process both pints and quarts in a boiling water bath for 25 minutes.

Makes 3-5 quarts, depending upon fruit used.

How do you preserve your fresh summer cherries?

Preserving instructions from http://seattlecancan.blogspot.com/2011/04/cherries-preserving-harvest.html  and http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1937,152184-225198,00.html

Upgrade Your Life: Great tips for a better night’s sleep

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than two thirds of Americans aren't getting enough sleep, and a fifth of us may have major sleep disorders. No matter what our fast-paced culture says, this is a serious health problem, even an epidemic. This week's episode of Upgrade Your Life, Yahoo! News' Becky Worley shows us some of the newest ways to improve our sleep.

Watch Video

The basics

Your body's natural sleep rhythms are related to the amount of light in the room. So make sure to turn out the lights, cover the windows, and even use an eye shade or sleep mask if necessary. Also, don't drink anything for at least two hours before bedtime if you can help it. Those bathroom breaks can interrupt your deepest, most restful sleep.

Having trouble with noise in your sleeping area? Try earplugs; the cheap silicone variety for swimmers are the best at blocking out noise and staying in your ears all night.


New Sleep Products

Here's a new tip: According to a multi-university study, the natural antioxidants in tart cherry juice help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. The 15 older adults in the study had fewer night time wakings when they drank at least two cups a day, and they spent more time asleep, too.

Finally, lower back pain is a common complaint amongst adults, and a culprit responsible for nighttime waking and trouble sleeping.  Becky's found that using a foam roller helps stave off lower back pain in the night. It's like massaging your back ... and it works! Stretching the hamstrings before bed can help, too.

Smartphone sleep disruptions
According to a Pew Research study, 65% of us sleep with our cellphones next to the bed, and that number goes up to 90% for people age 18-29. It's true that phones make good alarm clocks, but they can wake you up when someone sends you a text, and they present a temptation to check your email and social networks. Engaging in work email or using Facebook can stimulate you just as you are falling asleep, and set your mind racing when you should be quieting it.

If you must keep your cellphone or smartphone nearby, try leaving it where you can't reach it. That way you'll have to get up to turn off the alarm, anyway. And smartphone apps can help you get to sleep by playing relaxing sounds.

Laptop-induced insomnia

Even worse than keeping a smartphone nearby are those late-night computer sessions. Again, your circadian rhythms are based on light, and the blue light that's put out by computer screens makes your body think it's still daytime. That keeps it from producing melatonin -- the sleep-inducing antioxidant that the tart cherry juice contains.

Talk to your doctor

None of the products Becky discussed this episode will cure your sleep apnea, or any other potentially life-threatening sleep disorders. There are no quick fixes for these. Talk to a doctor about them ... and sleep tight!

Article courtesy of Yahoo! http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upgrade-your-life/upgrade-life-great-tips-better-night-sleep-160112326.html

ULTRAMARATHON RUNNER SCOTT JUREK and CHERIBUNDI TART CHERRY JUICE ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THE CHERIBUNDI MARATHON CHALLENGE

ASPIRING MARATHONER JORDAN FLOWERS WILL RUN IN THE ROCK N’ ROLL MARATHON WITH ALL EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO LAS VEGAS

August 4, 2011 (New York, NY) -- Cheribundi tart cherry juice, along with ultra-marathon runner Scott Jurek, have announced the winner of their Cheribundi Marathon Challenge. Jordan Flowers, a resident of Oregon City, OR, has been chosen as the winner after he garnered over 200 votes on the Cheribundi Facebook page with his inspirational story.

Flowers wrote an impassioned statement about how he has achieved many personal goals through running, including weight loss: “I'd love to work with Scott Jurek and compete in the Rock ‘n' Roll. I'm a barefoor runner who took up the sport about a year ago in an effort to lose some weight. I have lost about 145 pounds to date and am living life every day with new purpose and energy. I just ran my first half-marathon last week and am looking for new challenges.” His blog, http://leanfitfirm.com/, chronicles Jordan’s journey.

Flowers will receive an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas to run in the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon, including air and hotel fare, training packets, professional tips and pointers from Scott Jurek, fitness gear and of course, Cheribundi. Scott Jurek is a celebrated ultramarathoner who is prominently featured in the New York Times bestseller "Born to Run," and is the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run and Badwater Ultra-marathon champion. Flowers will also document his experience for the Cheribundi blog.

The Rock & Roll Marathon “Nighttime Running Event” will take place on December 4, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV.

Cheribundi created this challenge to underscore the serious health benefits from tart cherry juice, which has shown to act as a natural pain reliever, alleviate aches and pains, produce speedier athletic recovery, increase energy levels and assist in better sleep. Several professional and college football, hockey and basketball athletic teams as well as runners use the product during training.  More information can be found at www.cheribundi.com.

How the Cheribundi Marathon Challenge worked:

• Participants logged on to the Cheribundi Facebook page at www.facebook/cheribundi to explain on the “Wall” why they deserve to be selected to run in the marathon.
• Then the voting began; contestants encouraged family, friends, and colleagues to vote for them via the “Like” feature on the Cheribundi Facebook page.
• The Cheribundi Marathon Challenge ended on August 4^th.

“Cheribundi is all about health and reaching your fullest fitness potential,” says Cheribundi CEO Brian Ross. “We are thrilled to help Jordan reach his goal of running in a marathon, and who better than Scott Jurek to help guide his on this journey.”

“I’ve always had the desire to guide people toward a path of wellness and optimal health,” says Jurek. “Whether they are a first-time marathon runner or an experienced ultra-marathoner, this is an exciting opportunity to help an individual reach their ultimate goals.”

About Cheribundi

Cheribundi comes in three great tasting varieties. Tru Cherry™, the original juice packed with the juice of 50 cherries. Drink 8 oz daily to get 2 servings of fruit and powerful benefits that no other fruit offers. Skinny Cherry™ has all the powerful nutrients and benefits of the original juice, but fewer calories and is sweetened with all-natural Stevia. Drink it daily if you're limiting calories and sugar, but still want that great antioxidant punch. Whey Cherry™, with 8 g of whey protein in 8 oz of juice, provides the proper mix of carbohydrate and protein for maximal repair and recovery. It has all the powerful nutrients and benefits of the original juice, but with the extra advantage of protein for those who want to stay competitive.

About Scott Jurek
A Boulder, CO resident, Scott Jurek is a world renowned ultramarathon champion and the 24-hour American record holder of 165.7 miles.  His wins include the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run an unprecedented seven consecutive times, the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, Hardrock Hundred Miler in Colorado, and the 153 mile Spartathlon in Greece.  Scott powers his body on a plant-based diet and is a passionate cook, physical therapist and running coach.  Scott prominently appears in two New York Times Bestsellers “Born to Run” and “The 4-Hour Body.”   His awards include Running Hero 2005 by Runner’s World magazine, USA TODAY Athlete of the Week, Running USA Ten Best Moments in Distance Running, and multiple Ultrarunner of the Year by Ultrarunning Magazine. He has been featured in the The New York Times, CNN, EPSN Magazine, Outside, Men’s Journal, Runner’s World, Yoga Journal, Veg News and many other media.  For more information visit scottjurek.com.

John Cholish: An Ultimate Fighter Serious About Nutrition

If you were ever faced with a situation where you had to defend yourself, would you be able to? John Cholish most definitely would be. A former wrestler turned jiu jitsu, boxing and ultimate fighting champion, John is a fit, well-trained athlete with a passion for physical activity, and a knack for moving fast. Dedicated to his sport, John is gaining momentum as an MMA fighter within his community and beyond, and is on his way to join the higher ranks. 

Photos courtesy of Lucas Noonan

Only in his 20s, John Cholish has accomplished more than some people accomplish in a lifetime. Not only did he graduate from Ivy League school Cornell, where he majored in applied economics and management, as well as lead the wrestling team, John has held prestigious professional positions at Morgan Stanley and Intercontinental Exchange, all while training almost daily for his next fight. 

“I’m the kind of person who can’t sit still. My life is busy, but I love my job, and love my sport. There’s no way I’d live my life any differently, “ said John.  “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a challenge to perform my best at work and then give it my all at the gym every night, but it’s what I have to do to accomplish my professional and fighting goals.”   

John didn’t get where he is today on a whim – it has taken years of dedication , hard work, and thousands of hours of rigorous training to be able to hold his own in the ring, in front of thousands of people. As a wrestler for most of his life, John made the transition to jiu jitsu, boxing and fighting after he graduated college. Since then, he has not only gotten serious about training hard six days a week, he has nailed down his nutritional needs to provide his body the proper fuel it needs to perform at its peak.

Photos courtesy of Lucas Noonan

“To stay on track, I work with a nutritionist and four specialized fighting coaches,” said John. “I make sure I’m getting proper nutrients by eating a lot of organic and raw foods, as well as drinking cheribundi daily – one in the morning and one after training. I find that when I eat right, and get my cherry juice, I experience less soreness and I’m able to recover more quickly from workouts.”

Nutrition, training and good coaches are imperative to a fighter’s chances of “winning.” However, to really “win,” or fulfill that drive and satisfaction that comes from giving it your all, John says, “you have to be in it for the right reasons. No matter what it is you do, if you are passionate and are truly in love with your practice, that’s when you will go farthest.”

Photos courtesy of Lucas Noonan

Take it from John – if you have a goal in mind, all it takes is a commitment, passion and drive to achieve it. Not only does he aspire to be the best he can be, but he serves as a role model for the rest of us, who are all on our way to achieving our own greatness, one day at a time.

Want to learn more about John Cholish? Check out his story in the news:

Business Insider

MMAJunkie.com

Video: Cheribundi Star Athlete Galen Volckhausen takes on ADK....All Day!

Beautiful Cherries: One of Nature’s Anti-Aging Superfuits!

Living in today’s world, with our exposure to environmental pollution, processed foods and high amounts of stress, it’s easy to lose track of how we’re taking care of ourselves. Overtime, exposure to a high-paced lifestyle that lacks sound nutrition will begin to take a toll on our bodies, as well as our looks. Our skin may begin to look sallow, we carry around tired bags under our eyes, and we may even look older than we really are. However, when you eat right and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to fight the age-inducing environmental factors, you will not only feel more energetic and alive, but you will look it as well!

Fruits and vegetables are nature’s defense against aging, and contain powerful antioxidant compounds that help fight free-radicals, molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage, and possibly some diseases, that we are exposed to on a daily basis. According to Natural News, The more color and variety of produce, the more natural antioxidants one can consume. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can contribute to a very large extent to our program of antiaging. Why? Because these natural chemical compounds slow or halt oxidative processes that may prevent or deter the onset of many diseases associated with aging, including..wrinkles and sun damage and much more.

 

Cherries are packed with antioxidants, and contain more free radical fighting power than almost any other food out there. According to a new study from the University of Michigan, cherries' unique compounds may work synergystically to deliver a powerful antioxidant punch. In addition, these little red ‘superfruits’ also contain high doses of Vitamin C, which encourages collagen production, and cherries contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that provide the distinctive red color and may hold the key to the health benefits locked inside. Additional studies suggest that these powerful pigments possess anti-inflammatory (Can you say puffiness around the eyes?) and anti-aging properties. For more, click here. 

The melatonin in cherries also has antiaging effects in that it can promote sleep, and more sound sleep, to give your body the rest it needs to repair itself. As most skin and tissue repair occurs while you sleep, catching the recommended amount (7-9 hours) each night will ensure that your body and skin has the opportunity to repair damage that may occurred during the day due to sun, environmental toxins, etc. For more, click here. 

When it comes to looks, it’s truly what’s on the inside that counts. What are your natural beauty secrets?