Introduction: What to Do with Fresh Cherries (Besides Eat Them)
It’s cherry season. You’ve got a bowl full of gorgeous, deep-red cherries—but what else can you do with them besides snacking?
The answer: a lot more than you think. From tea made from the stems, to tart cherry juice and even using the pits for heat, fresh cherries are one of the most versatile summer fruits out there.
In this guide, you'll learn 6 powerful, practical ways to use fresh cherries (plus a bonus video on how they’re harvested).
What Are Cherries Used For?
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Brew into cherry stem tea
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Freeze for smoothies and snacks
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Dry your own homemade dried cherries
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Burn cherry pits for heat
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Use in desserts, cocktails, recipes, and sauces
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Make fresh cherry juice
📍 Where are cherries grown?
Michigan leads U.S. tart cherry production, especially in Traverse Bay—home of Traverse Bay Farms, an award-winning grower since 2001.
Video: See the Cherry Harvest
Watch now: How Cherries Are Grown and Harvested
Alt Text: Cherry farm harvest video in Traverse Bay, Michigan with machinery and workers collecting fresh cherries.
1. How to Brew Cherry Stem Tea at Home
Why it’s great: Cherry stems are used in herbal traditions to reduce water retention and support kidney function.
Steps:
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Rinse and dry the cherry stems.
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Steep a handful in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
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Strain and sip. Add lemon or honey if desired.
This caffeine-free tea is naturally anti-inflammatory and refreshing.
2. How to Freeze Fresh Cherries for Later
Why freeze cherries? It preserves flavor and nutrients, perfect for winter smoothies or baking.
Steps:
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Pit the cherries.
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Spread on a baking sheet and freeze.
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Transfer to an airtight bag or container.
Use frozen cherries in smoothies, muffins, yogurt bowls, and sauces.
3. How to Make Your Own Dried Tart Cherries
Skip store-bought and make your own with no added sugar!
Steps:
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Pit and halve the cherries.
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Use a dehydrator (12–18 hrs) or oven (140–160°F).
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Store in glass jars or airtight bags.
Add to granola, trail mix, or salads.
4. How Cherry Pits Can Be Used to Heat Your Home
Yes—it’s real. Cherry pits are used as biomass fuel in pellet stoves.
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Burn cleanly with low ash output
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Common in Michigan cherry farms
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Also great for DIY cherry pit heating pads
Ask local farms or co-ops if they offer cherry pit pellets.
5. How to Use Fresh Cherries in Recipes
Cherries aren’t just for pie.
Try them:
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Over ice cream with dark chocolate
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Muddled into cocktails (like bourbon or sangria)
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In salads with goat cheese and arugula
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Roasted with pork or duck
Pro Tip: Pair cherry recipes in this downloadable Michigan Cherry Recipe Cookbook for depth of flavor.
6. How to Make Cherry Juice from Fresh Cherries
Why it works: Tart cherry juice supports joint comfort, heart health, and restful sleep.
Steps:
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Pit and blend 2 cups fresh cherries.
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Strain with a mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
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Store in a sealed glass jar (up to 3 days refrigerated).
Or try our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate—award-winning, easy, and shelf-stable.
FAQs About Using Fresh Cherries
Can I freeze cherries with the pits?
Yes, but pitting them first saves time later.
Are cherry stems edible?
Not to eat, but they make a great detox tea.
Do cherry pits decompose?
Very slowly. Better to use them in heating or crafts.
Are tart cherries better than sweet?
For health benefits, yes—tart cherries have more antioxidants.
People Also Ask:
What is the best way to use fresh cherries?
Make juice, dry or freeze them, or use in recipes like sauces and desserts.
Can I use every part of a cherry?
Yes! Fruit, stems, and pits all have unique uses.
What’s the healthiest way to eat cherries?
Fresh, frozen, or juiced without added sugars.
Where do most U.S. cherries come from?
Michigan (tart), Washington and Oregon (sweet).
Conclusion: Use Every Bit of the Cherry—Naturally and Deliciously
From sweet summer desserts to natural remedies and even heating fuel, cherries are one of nature’s most generous fruits. So next time you get a bundle of fresh cherries—use the stems for tea, freeze the fruit, dry some for later, and even save the pits for heat or craft projects.
🍒 Want an easy way to enjoy cherries year-round?
Try Traverse Bay Farms’ Tart Cherry Juice, trusted by families since 2001 and winner of 48+ national food awards.
