Celebrating Cherry Day: A British Summer Delight

On 16th July, we celebrate a sweet and tangy gem of the British summer: the cherry. Bursting with vibrant colours and delectable flavours, cherries are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of the warm, sunny days of July. 

Cherry Day is a perfect opportunity to indulge in this versatile fruit, appreciate its history, and explore its culinary potential. So, let's dive into the world of cherries and celebrate this delightful day in style!

The British Cherry: A Brief History

Cherries have a long and storied history in the UK, dating back to Roman times when they were first introduced to Britain. The fruit thrived in the British climate, and over the centuries, cherry orchards became a common sight across the countryside. By the 19th century, cherry cultivation was at its peak, with Kent earning the nickname "the Garden of England" due to its abundant orchards.

However, the 20th century saw a decline in British cherry production, primarily due to competition from imported fruits and changes in agricultural practices. Fortunately, recent years have witnessed a resurgence in interest, with local growers and enthusiasts working tirelessly to revive traditional cherry varieties and orchards.

The Health Benefits of Cherries

Cherries are not just delicious; they are also packed with nutrients and health benefits. Here are a few reasons to include more of these ruby-red delights in your diet:

Rich in Antioxidants: Cherries are loaded with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. This can lower the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health.

Heart Health: The potassium in cherries helps regulate blood pressure, while the anthocyanins improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and cholesterol levels.

Sleep Aid: Cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Consuming cherries or cherry juice can improve sleep quality and help with insomnia.

Joint Pain Relief: The anti-inflammatory properties of cherries can alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout, providing natural relief from joint pain.

Celebrating Cherry Day

There are countless ways to celebrate Cherry Day and enjoy this luscious fruit. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Pick Your Own Cherries

Visit a local orchard and enjoy the experience of picking your own cherries. Many farms across the UK offer pick-your-own services, allowing you to select the ripest and juiciest fruits directly from the trees. It's a fun activity for all ages and a fantastic way to connect with nature.

2. Cherry Recipes to Try

Cherries are incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Here are a few recipes to inspire your Cherry Day celebrations:

Cherry Clafoutis: A classic French dessert, this custard-like tart is studded with fresh cherries and is both simple and elegant.

Cherry Jam: Capture the essence of summer in a jar by making your own cherry jam. Spread it on toast or use it as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Cherry Salad: Add a burst of flavour to your salads by tossing in some fresh cherries. They pair beautifully with goat's cheese, walnuts, and mixed greens.

3. Cherry Cocktails and Mocktails

Raise a glass to Cherry Day with some cherry-inspired beverages. Whether you prefer cocktails or mocktails, cherries add a delightful twist to drinks. Try a Cherry Mojito, a Cherry Lemonade, or simply muddle fresh cherries into your favourite cocktail for a fruity kick.

4. Support Local Growers

One of the best ways to celebrate Cherry Day is by supporting local cherry growers and markets. Buy British cherries, share your favourite cherry recipes on social media, and encourage others to enjoy this wonderful fruit.

Cherry Day is a splendid occasion to savour the sweetness of summer and appreciate the rich history and health benefits of this beloved fruit. Whether you're indulging in cherry-filled treats, exploring local orchards, or simply enjoying a handful of fresh cherries, make sure to celebrate 16th July with the joy and delight that cherries bring. Happy Cherry Day!

This is really the cherry on the top from Driscoll's!

Yes, folks, British cherry season is here, and to mark this year’s extra-flavourful crop, Driscoll's, the UK’s foremost supplier of berries, have created a selection of absolutely delicious new recipes, which we are featuring below. 

‘Pickled Cherry Bruschetta’ - an Italian twist packed with healthy vitamins and bursting with flavour!

‘Cherry French Toast Sandwich’ - a quick and easy take on the more traditional French toast.

‘Cherry and Cacao Fro-yo’ - a super refreshing, healthier alternative to ice cream

Please find a link to hi-res imagery here/full recipes below.. 

Recipe 1: Pickled Cherry Bruschetta

A jar of jam and food on a white surface

This Pickled Cherry Bruschetta is packed full with healthy vitamins and uses ricotta, walnuts and olive oil to provide a source of protein, calcium, fibre and healthy fats.

This year’s British cherry harvest is extra sweet, making for a delicious contrast with the tart pickling and creamy ricotta.

The dish contains 250g of fresh cherries, full of nutrients, with 3% of your daily requirement of iron, 7% of your daily requirement of copper, and 8% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. 

Serves: 8-10. 

Makes 2 x 250g jars of 1 x 500g jar of pickled cherries

Time: 30 minutes prep plus pickling time.

Ingredients for the pickled cherries:

100ml white wine vinegar

85ml water

50g caster sugar

2 bay leaves

250g fresh British cherries, de-stalked and pitted

2 crushed juniper berries

5 peppercorns

Ingredients for the bruschetta:

1 ciabatta loaf, sliced

200g ricotta or a plant based alternative 

50g walnuts

Fresh thyme

Salt and pepper

1 tbsp olive oil for brushing and 1 tsp for the walnuts

Method for pickling:

Firstly, start with pickling your cherries. It is best to do this around a week in advance at least, and once made they will keep in sterilised sealed jars for months – meaning you can hang on to cherry season for even longer! (Once opened, store in your fridge).

To sterilise your jars, wash with hot soapy water then put in a low oven for around 10-15 minutes.

Pour the white wine vinegar, bay leaves, peppercorns, juniper berries, caster sugar and water into a pan and simmer for around 10 minutes.

Whilst this is cooking, de stalk and pit your cherries. Pack the cherries into the sterilised jar/s and pour over the vinegar mix, ensuring all cherries are covered. Tightly seal and leave in a cool dark place for at least a week.

Method for making the bruschetta:

First, preheat the oven to around 180c.

Spread the walnuts out on a tray lined with baking paper.

Toss in a tsp of olive oil and toast for around 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Next, slice your ciabatta at a slight angle, into 1cm slices. Lightly brush with olive oil on each side and place under a hot grill until evenly golden.

Put the ricotta in a bowl with a pinch of salt and whisk until light and fluffy. 

Spread a teaspoon over each of the ciabatta toasts and top with the pickled cherries, crumbled walnuts, fresh thyme and black pepper.

***

Recipe 2: Cherry French Toast Sandwich 

This Cherry French Toast is a quick and easy brunch recipe that makes the most out of fresh juicy British cherries and is a healthier take on the breakfast classic.

With lots of extra sweet cherries available this season, there is no better time to add an extra flavourful punch to your french toast this summer. 

This recipe can be also made with any bread or milk you choose, so you can give it your own individual twist. 

Serves: 1.

Time: 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

2 slices of bread (stale bread works especially well)

1 egg or a vegan egg alternative 

50ml milk or plant based milk

5-6 British cherries, de stalked and stoned

1 tsp brown sugar

2 tbsp lighter Crème Fraîche or a  plant based alternative 

1 tbsp agave

Spray of oil for cooking

Method: 

Roughly chop your cherries and add to a pan with a teaspoon of brown sugar.

Briefly stir and heat on a medium heat for around ten minutes until they are broken down and syrupy.

Allow to cool slightly.

In a shallow bowl, crack in your egg and pour in the milk.

Whisk well and dip each side of your bread in the egg mix.

In a separate small bowl add your Crème Fraîche and agave syrup and stir in the cherries.

Heat a pan over a medium heat and cover with a little spray oil

In the heated pan, lay down one slice of the bread before topping evenly with the cherry mix and placing the second slice on top, and pressing down gently.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip the bread over and repeat. 

Remove from the heat and enjoy!

***

Recipe 3: Cherry Cacao Fro-Yo

Our Cherry and Cacao Fro-yo is a delicious, yet healthier summer treat that you don’t need an ice cream maker to produce!

The sweetness of the cherries with the smooth acidity of the yoghurt creates a perfectly balanced alternative to ice-cream.

You can even improvise with a cake or la oaf tin to freeze in, so there’s no fancy equipment necessary and minimal prep time, too!

All you need is freeze time!

Serves: 10.

Time: 50 mins - 1 hour prep time, 3-4 hours freezing time.

Ingredients:

175g British cherries, de-stalked, pitted and roughly chopped

1 tsp brown sugar

Juice of half a lemon

750g natural or Greek yoghurt, or a plant based yoghurt 

125ml milk or plant based milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

30g sugar (this can also be substituted for the equivalent in stevia for an even healthier treat)

1-2 tbsp cacao nibs for sprinkling

You will also need a small loaf tin or 7-8 inch cake tin

Method:

Put your loaf tin or cake tin into the freezer.

In a medium bowl add your yoghurt, milk, sugar or stevia, vanilla and stir well.

Chill in the freezer whilst you complete the next steps.

Empty your cherries and brown sugar into a pan and simmer on a medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

Stir in the juice of half a lemon and leave to cool.

Remove the tin and yoghurt mix from the freezer and pour the yoghurt into the tin.

Stir every 20-30 minutes and when it’s starting to thicken considerably, swirl through your cherry mix.

Leave to freeze for at least 3-4 hours before serving

Sprinkle your fro-yo with cacao nibs for a crunchy topping!

https://www.driscolls.eu

Black Forest Arctic Roll with Chocolate Cherry Sauce

Serves 12 

Preparation time:  60 minutes (including overnight freezing)

Cooking time:          30 minutes

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs

Ingredients

• 1 litre best quality vanilla ice cream 

• 370g Opies Cherries with Kirsch 

• 200g cherry jam 

• 4 medium eggs

• 100g caster sugar

• 75g self-raising flour

• 3 tbsp cocoa powder

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp brown sugar 

• Icing sugar for dusting 

Method

1. Remove ice cream from the freezer to soften slightly. Drain the cherries, reserving the liquid and keeping 50g of cherries to one side. In a bowl, stir the remaining cherries through the ice cream along with 3 tablespoons of cherry jam then pop back in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up slightly. Lay out a large piece of grease proof paper, spoon the ice cream lengthways down the middle to create an even log shape around 22cm in length. Roll the paper around the filling and refreeze for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. 

2. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C Fan / Gas 6. Line a 22cm x 33cm flat baking tray with paper, ensuring it reaches all corners.

3. Whisk the eggs and sugar in a bowl until thick and light. Sift then gently fold in the flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and the salt. Spoon the batter into the tin, smooth the top then bake for 10 -15 minutes in the middle of the oven until risen and springy to touch. Remove, leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes then turn out onto a sheet of baking paper lightly dusted with icing sugar. Carefully pull the paper away and leave to cool.

4. Spread the remaining jam over the top of the sponge. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and place along the short side of the sponge. Use the paper to help roll it up to enclose the log. Place back into the freezer for another two hours. 

5. Meanwhile make the sauce. Warm 60ml reserved kirsch syrup, brown sugar and the remaining cocoa powder in a pan over a low heat. Once the sugar dissolves, turn the heat up slightly and reduce down until thickened. Leave to cool. 

6. Dust with icing sugar, drizzle with sauce, spoon over the reserved cherries, slice thickly and serve straight away. 

Where to Buy: 

Opies Black Cherries with Kirsch are available from Tesco, Waitrose, Booths & Ocado 390g from £4.00