What is Tart Cherry Juice?

Tart cherry juice is a vibrant, ruby-red beverage extracted from Montmorency cherries, also known as sour cherries. Unlike their sweeter counterparts, these cherries have a higher acidity content, making them less palatable when eaten fresh.

However, their tartness translates into a deliciously tangy juice that is often frozen, dried, or pressed into tart cherry juice concentrate. This juice is not only a refreshing drink but also a powerhouse of health benefits, often used in various health remedies. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of pure tart cherry juice or adding tart cherry juice concentrate to your smoothies, you’re in for a treat packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

Tart cherry juice, made from Montmorency tart cherries, has fast become the drink of choice for those looking to soothe sore muscles, ease joint pain, and get better sleep. Consuming tart cherry juice can offer numerous health benefits.

Tart cherries are smaller in size, lower in natural sugar and pack more of an overall antioxidant benefits when compared to the sweet cherries. The tart cherries, grown mostly in the Traverse Bay Farms region of Northwestern lower Michigan, until recently where mostly used for baking.

However, since food scientists have uncovered the amazing natural health benefits of this superfruit, the tart cherry is now made into dried, frozen, tart cherry juice and tart cherry capsules. Research shows drinking tart cherry juice is the simplest way to reduce inflammation. Older adults drink cherry juice to relieve arthritis pain.

Research suggests that tart cherry juice is good for various health conditions, including diabetes, heart health, sleep quality, and exercise recovery.

The tart cherry growing region of Michigan grows mostly the Montmorency tart cherries. However, many of the family orchards also grow the sweet cherry. The official scientific name of the tart cherry, also known as the sour, pie or red cherries, is Prunus cerasus.

Check out the 7 1/2 science-based health benefits of tart cherry juice

1. Cherry Nutrition Facts

Not only does tart cherry juice a refreshing drink, it is also packed with a number of powerful nutrients. A single 8-ounce glass (240-ml) only contains

• Carbs: 14 grams

• Fiber: .4 grams

• Sugar: 15 grams

• Vitamin A: 17% of the RDI

• Vitamin C: 15% of the RDI

• Magnesium: 20% of the RDI

• Potassium: 1% of the RDI

Tart cherry juice also contains small amounts of calcium, folate, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Learn more about Cherry Nutrition Facts

One of the greatest benefits of drinking tart cherry juice is it not combined with other fruit and vegetable juices. Tart cherry juice that is blended with other juices delivered an increased about sugar. If you’re looking to limit your sugar intake, drink the best tart cherry juice from Traverse Bay Farms.

Learn more about Michigan Cherries

A 2010 study of fifty-four runners, each drinking 355ml of tart cherry juice or a placebo 7 days prior to a race. The study found the runners who drink the cherry juice experienced less pain than those drink a placebo.

Studies have shown that consuming tart cherries can help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery times for athletes.

Another study involved marathon runners. This study included 20 participants and focused on muscle recovery. Each of the participants drank either 16 ounces of tart cherry juice or a placebo five days before the marathon and on the day of the event. Those who drank the cherry juice experienced less muscle damage and faster recovery.

Learn how joint pain may be less of a factor for folks over 50 - Click Here

A 2016 involved Tart cherry powder, made from IQF (individually quick frozen) tart cherries. The results of the study also showed the participants using the tart cherry powder also experienced less muscle soreness and faster recovery.

While consuming tart cherry in various forms, including powder, can offer health benefits, it is important to be aware of potential side effects such as gastrointestinal issues and elevated potassium levels.

Until recently tart cherry juice arthritis and gout was considered a folk lore. Countless joint pain sufferers told of amazing tales of being able to walk without pain. It wasn’t until dedicated food scientists were able to provide solid, science-backed evidence.

A number of studies have looked at tart cherry juice and gout and arthritis. The first published studies on cherries and gout dates back to the 1950’s. Dr. Blau, was confined to a wheelchair due a flair-up. After eating cherries and drinking juice, the pain disappeared and the good doctor was able to rise of the wheelchair and walk.

The results of a 2012 study of gout sufferers showed those who consumed fresh cherries or drank tart cherry juice concentrate daily were 50% less likely to suffer a gout attack.

Increased uric acid levels in the blood may be a precursor to a gout attack. A 2014 study found those drinking two doses (1 ounce) of Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate enjoyed lower levels of

One study was conduct on women with osteoarthritis. This involved those involved in the study to drink Michigan tart cherry juice daily. The results found certain blood markers of inflammation the women was reduced.

Tart cherry juice and sleep is getting a lot of attention. According to the American Sleep Foundation, 30-40 percent of adults say they have insomnia. Best of all, this is an issue that can be treated and for many tart cherry juice for sleep is becoming for solution.

Tart cherries are Mother Nature’s leading source of melatonin. This is a hormone naturally produce in the brain that aids in increasing sleep time. In tart cherries also contain anthocyanins and trypotphans. This healthy combination helps the body to increase sleep times naturally. Learn more “How Much Cherry Juice to Drink Before Bed?“

A 2014 study found older adults who drink tart cherry juice (16 ounces) daily for two weeks enjoyed an average of 85 minutes of more sleep.

What is interesting is tart cherry powder, used to make cherry capsules, actually delivers more melatonin per serving than the liquid.

A 12 week, 2017 showed the possible link between tart cherry juice consumption and improve memory and cognition in older adults. The results of the study showed those in the group who drank the cherry juice enjoyed noted improvements in both short-term and long-term memory.

Another study showed those drinking 16 ounces (480ml) of tart cherry juice daily for the length of the study showed improved mental agility in older women and men.

The information in this article this is not medical advice. The fresh fruit and juice does naturally contain sorbitol. This type of sugar alcohol is found in fruit and vegetables. This gives the underly fruit or vegetable natural sweetness.

While consuming tart cherry juice can offer numerous health benefits, it is important to consult a doctor before incorporating it into your diet, especially if you have allergies, kidney issues, or are taking certain medications.

For some individuals excess tart cherry juice may cause flatulence, stomach pain and even diarrhea. Check with your doctor or health care provide prior to making any changes in your diet or adding new foods to your daily routine.