Cherries and strawberries are two of the most popular fruits, especially during the summer months. Both have a sweet, juicy flavor and make for tasty snacks and desserts. But do cherries and strawberries pair well together? Let’s take a closer look at the flavors, textures, nutrition, and uses of each fruit to find out.
Flavors
Cherries and strawberries have distinctly different flavors that complement each other nicely.
Cherries are often described as having a sweet yet slightly tart, fruity taste. They contain high levels of anthocyanins, plant compounds that give cherries their bright red color and contribute to their sweet-tart flavor. There are two main types of cherries – sweet cherries, which tend to be juicier and sweeter, and tart cherries, which have a more pronounced sourness.
Strawberries, on the other hand, have a sweet, floral aroma and deliver a rush of sweet, juicy berry flavor with just a subtle hint of acidity. They contain high levels of fructose, glucose, and sucrose, contributing to their sugary sweetness.
When paired together, the sweetness of strawberries balances out the slight tartness of cherries beautifully. The berry flavors also meld together into a delicious medley of summer fruit goodness.
Textures
In terms of texture, cherries and strawberries also complement each other when served together.
Cherries have a smooth, shiny skin with firm, juicy flesh. When fresh, the flesh has a pleasant crispness that pops pleasantly when you bite into it. Tart cherries tend to be firmer, while sweet cherries are softer and juicier.
Strawberries have a soft, seedy texture. Ripe, fresh strawberries are tender and practically melt in your mouth with an enjoyable mushy quality.
Combining the two fruits allows you to enjoy an array of appealing textures – the satisfying pop of cherries alongside the soft mushiness of strawberries. The mixture of textures enhances the overall sensory experience.
Nutrition
Both cherries and strawberries are nutritional powerhouses, making them a healthy pairing.
Cherries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins and quercetin that can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. They also provide potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Tart cherries, in particular, are one of the few food sources of melatonin.
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.
By enjoying cherries and strawberries together, you can maximize your intake of these beneficial nutrients and plant compounds. Combining fruits with complementary nutritional profiles is a great way to create a balanced, nutritious snack or dessert.
Culinary Uses
When it comes to cooking and baking, cherries and strawberries are extremely versatile on their own but even better when used together. Here are some of the many delicious ways to use cherries and strawberries as complementary ingredients:
– Fruit salads – Toss sweet cherries and sliced strawberries together for a simple fruit salad. The sweet-tart cherries balance the strawberries perfectly.
– Smoothies – Blend tart cherries and strawberries together for a nutrient-packed smoothie. The cherry juice adds great flavor and color.
– Fruit salsa – Dice strawberries and cherries into a fresh salsa to accompany fish, chicken, or chips.
– Toppings for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles – Mix sliced strawberries and cherries together as a sweet topping for breakfast and dessert foods.
– Pies – Use both strawberry and cherry pie filling in a mixed berry pie. Or top a cherry pie with fresh strawberry slices.
– Muffins and breads – Fold chopped strawberries and cherries into muffin, quick bread, scones, or coffee cake batter. The contrasting fruits look and taste wonderful together.
– Salads – Toss pitted cherries and sliced strawberries into green, grain, pasta, or spinach salads for added nutrition, flavor, and color.
– Desserts – Layer strawberries and cherries together in parfaits, trifles, fruit crisps or crumbles. Or swirl strawberry and cherry preserves into cheesecake.
– Sauces – Simmer strawberries and cherries into a fruit compote or coulis sauce to drizzle over ice cream, pudding, angel food cake, waffles, etc.
– Juices and drinks – Mix strawberry and cherry juices together for a refreshing beverage. You can also muddle the fruits into lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails.
– Jams and jellies – Cook strawberries and cherries down into a mixed fruit jam or spread to enjoy year-round.
The combinations are practically endless! When using cherries and strawberries together, aim for a 60/40 or 70/30 ratio favoring the strawberries to let their flavor shine. But the proportions can be adjusted to suit your tastes.
Do They Go Well Together? Conclusion
In summary, cherries and strawberries make an excellent flavor pairing and combine beautifully in various recipes. Though they each have distinct flavors and textures, their differences complement each other perfectly.
Cherries provide sweetness to balance out strawberries’ subtle acidity. The fruits have contrasting crisp and soft textures. Nutritionally, they deliver a powerful combination of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. And in recipes, strawberries and cherries can be used together in everything from fruit salads to sauces, juices, baked goods, and more.
So do cherries go well with strawberries? Without a doubt, yes! Their complementary qualities allow the flavors of both fruits to shine when enjoyed together. Pairing these sweet summer fruits results in delicious treats that provide a mouthwatering taste of the season.
| Cherries | Strawberries |
|---|---|
| Sweet or tart flavor | Sweet flavor |
| Crisp, firm texture | Soft, tender texture |
| High in anthocyanins and vitamin C | High in vitamin C and manganese |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best varieties of cherries and strawberries to use?
For cherries, Bing, Rainier, and Brooks are excellent sweet cherry varieties. Montmorency is the most popular tart cherry. For strawberries, choose ripe, red strawberries with good aroma and no white or green areas. Some top varieties include Chandler, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, and Seascape.
Can you substitute dried or frozen cherries and strawberries?
Yes, you can substitute frozen cherries and strawberries in most recipes calling for fresh. Thaw first before using. For dried fruit, soak in hot water for 30 minutes to rehydrate before using. Adjust any added liquids in the recipe.
What dishes showcase cherries and strawberries together best?
Fruit salads, smoothies, parfaits, fruit crisps and crumbles, and mixed fruit pies and baked goods allow you to really highlight the flavors of both cherries and strawberries. Use them together as toppings, mix-ins, or swirled fillings.
How should you store fresh cherries and strawberries?
Keep fresh cherries and strawberries refrigerated in the crisper drawer. Cherries can last up to 2 weeks, while strawberries typically last only 2-3 days. Wash just before eating. Do not soak cherries as that can cause cracks in the skin.
Can you freeze cherries and strawberries to use later?
Yes! Both cherries and strawberries freeze very well. Wash, pit, and slice cherries and hull and slice strawberries. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags or containers. Frozen cherries and strawberries will keep for up to one year.
What are some potential health benefits of eating cherries and strawberries?
Cherries and strawberries contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic diseases. Cherries provide melatonin that promotes sleep. Strawberries are high in heart-healthy potassium and fiber. Together, they boost your intake of vitamin C, manganese, and other important nutrients.
How do you pit cherries easily?
Use a cherry pitter, which removes the pit quickly and easily in one motion. Another method is to use a chopstick, pressing it through the cherry at the stem end to push the pit out on the other side. A drinking straw can also work. Just be careful of the cherry juice squirting!
Can you use cherry or strawberry jam?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of strawberry or cherry jam or preserves in recipes that call for the fresh fruits. The flavor may be slightly different, but the jam offers convenience. Try swirling jam into batters and fillings for extra fruity flavor.
What are good herb and spice pairings with cherries and strawberries?
Cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, black pepper, mint, basil, and lemon or orange zest all complement both cherries and strawberries beautifully. For savory dishes with these fruits, try parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
