With the return of the cherry season, Syahirah Mokhtazar tastes the fruit of two tantalising recipes
CHERRIES are powerful little nuggets packed with vitamins and minerals. Hailed as the rising superstar of fruits, its antioxidant properties and potassium are said to aid inflammatory diseases such as gout and arthritis.
Chef and nutritionist Alexandra Prabaharan says the fruit’s low calories and low glycaemic index makes it ideal for diabetics and weight watchers.
Cherries are the only source of melatonin found in nature. Produced in our pineal gland, melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep.
“Research shows the superfood qualities of cherries, right up there with goji and acai berries. This power food is packed with numerous health benefits that are essential for wellness. It also has cancer prevention compounds,” says Alexandra.
Northwest cherries are in season. Priding itself on producing bigger, sweeter and juicier cherries than its counterparts, its cherries are the best-selling ones in Malaysia.
WHERE CHERRIES GROW
There is a reason these cherries grow so well on the other side of the world, namely the Northwest states of America. The states are situated between the Rocky Mountains and Cascades, with nutrient rich volcano soil, and water from clean melted mountain snow.
The cherries are carefully handpicked in the early hours of summer to avoid the heat.
Phornthip Poolprasert, marketing manager for Northwest Cherry in Southeast Asia says cherries are said to reduce joint soreness in runners and athletes.
We often eat cherries on their own, or pitted and tossed into salads but they’re also great for smoothies, and even savoury meals. For a healthier option, dehydrate them and add to granola.
Alexandra demonstrates two creative ways to incorporate Northwest Cherries into healthy recipes. The first one is Northwest Cherry Chia Pudding. This is a simple and easy recipe, perfect for those who are always on the go.
And if you think chicken and cherries don’t go well with together, try Northwest Cherry Pan-Seared Chicken Breast With Cherry Balsamic Sauce which sees a perfect blend of flavours.
CHERRY CHIA PUDDING
Ingredients
1½ cup pitted Northwest Cherries
1 cup coconut milk
1 tbs honey
¼ cup chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla extract
Lime zest and juice
1 tbsp brown sugar
Method
1. Blend one cup cherries, coconut milk and honey till smooth. Pour into a bowl and add chia seeds and vanilla extract.
2. Chop the remaining cherries and toss with lime zest, lime juice and brown sugar.
3. Pour the cherry chia pudding mixture in a glass and top with the fresh chopped cherries.
4. Put the glass in the fridge for at least one hour to set completely. Serve cold, topped with a mint leaf to garnish.
PAN-SEARED CHICKEN BREAST WITH CHERRY BALSAMIC SAUCE
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
1 cup pitted northwest cherries
1 tbsp shallots
1 tsp garlic
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup chicken stock
1 tbsp sage, chopped
1tbsp unsalted butter
Olive oil and salt
Method
1. In a pan, heat up olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear until cooked through. Remove the pan and place chicken breasts on a plate.
2. Add oil in the pan if necessary and put in shallots and garlic. Stir for one minute. Add cherries and cook for another minute.
3. Add balsamic vinegar and stir to deglaze. When the vinegar has almost evaporated, add chicken stock and sage, and cook for two minutes until reduced. Remove from heat and stir in butter.
4. Season with salt and pour on top of chicken breasts.