With their glowing ruby-red hues, luscious shape, sweet juiciness and that special note of tartness, cherries are quite simply, irresistible. Amongst the abundance of high-quality stone fruit grown in South Africa, cherries occupy a special niche, with a short window to enjoy the local season, which spans from late October to December. Freshly picked from local orchards, cherries add a touch of luxury to holiday tables and inspire culinary flair.
Most South African cherries are grown in the Western Cape, while Ficksburg in the Free State is a historic and important hub for this prized fruit, and the host of the annual Cherry Festival, the oldest crop festival in South Africa. Taking place during the third week of November, it’s a reminder that cherries are synonymous with celebrations.
Why We Love Cherries
Beyond their vibrant colour, taste, and texture, cherries are one of the healthiest fruits you can enjoy. They are low in calories and packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help fight inflammation. Rich in vitamins C and A, cherries support immunity and skin health. As a natural source of melatonin, they may even promote better sleep.
Making the most of the short cherry season
Holding a bowl brimming with bright, fresh cherries can make you feel like you have won a prize, and it’s no wonder that one of the favourite ways to enjoy them, is as a stand-alone treat. As a firm stone fruit, cherries travel well and add a touch of class to any picnic and holiday spread. However, like all other stone fruit, cherries are incredibly versatile, pairing well in a range of both sweet and savoury recipes. There’s no reason to limit cherries to just snacks or desserts.
Here are some classic and creative cherry pairing ideas:
Sweet – balancing cherries tartness and sweetness with rich velvety chocolate – dark, milk or white is a timeless combination. The warmth of vanilla complements cherries’ brightness, and almonds, which share similar flavour compounds, is also a classic cherry pairing.
Fruity – citrus – lemons, oranges and limes – amplify cherries’ natural tartness and balance sweetness; strawberries, raspberries and blueberries bring out the cherry’s berry-like qualities and stone fruit – nectarines, plums and apricots – make for lush, flavourful pairings.
Savoury – cherries are the elegant, hero ingredient in sauces for rich meat dishes such as pork, duck and venison. They pair beautifully with soft cheeses like brie and camembert, as well as sharper cheeses such as gorgonzola and aged cheddar. Fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil add aromatic and slightly savoury notes that elevate cherries.
Recipes to celebrate SA’s fresh cherries
Juicy Delicious has curated this recipe collection to showcase some of the inventive and delicious ways to incorporate South Africa’s luscious cherries into your holiday menu:
Cherry & Almond Tart – This classic, indulgent tart, perfect for the festive season, balances the sweetness of cherries with the richness of almond flavour.
Cherry, Cottage Cheese, and Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – Bringing together the subtle tang of cottage cheese with the sweetness of cherries and a hint of chocolate, this is the ice cream flavour for the summer of 2024.
Cherry Focaccia & Cherry Jam – This next-level take on a classic Italian bread is the star of holiday breakfasts and brunches.
Spiced Duck Breast with Cherry & Red Wine Glaze – Richly spiced duck paired with a tangy cherry glaze makes for a sophisticated main course that will impress family and friends.
Balsamic Glazed Cherries with Minty Cucumber & Burrata – This stunning appetizer or salad is served with crostinis and Parma ham for a celebration dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.