As with many staple Jersey produce items, fresh cherry season is very short-lived. Peak season arrives in mid-June and lasts only about a week! During this time, sweet & tart cherry lovers make their way to the local farmers market to pick up a few buckets and whip up all the staple cherry recipes in their arsenal. From pies and jams to BBQ sauce, cocktails and more, Fiorentino’s Farm Market highlights 5 cool fresh cherry recipes for you to try this summer. If you want to make the season last a little longer, learn how to preserve summer produce easily.
5 Cool Ways to Cook with Fresh Cherries
Cherry Cobbler: A unique twist on a classic peach recipe! This is a must-have summer treat if you’re going to buy fresh cherries. Remember to serve with whipped cream & vanilla ice cream.Cherry & Carnitas Sandwich: Slow cook fresh cherries & a beef roast in a dutch oven for about 4 hours. Once the meat is done, immersion blend the broth and cooked cherries to create a sweet and savory sauce. Top the meat & coating onto your favorite bread or pretzel roll and garnish with cilantro and green onions.Cherry Cheesecake: Elevate this already decadent dessert with a sweet cherry topping. You can make the cheesecake from scratch or buy from a local bakery. Whip up the topping by heating pitted cherries, sugar, water, cornstarch slurry and almond extract. Wait to cool then pour over the cheesecake and enjoy!Cherry & Bourbon BBQ Sauce: A cherry and bourbon infused BBQ sauce will elevate any meat, especially on the grill! This delicious sauce can be used to baste ribs, chicken and pork.Cherry Almond Cinnamon Rolls: Did you ever think a cinnamon roll could get any better? Make the rolls to your desired recipe and add pitted cherries and shaved almonds for an incredible upgrade to your favorite childhood breakfast treat.Cherry Peach Sangria: Prepare the sangria using your favorite recipe then simply add sliced peaches and pitted cherries for a refreshing twist on a classic summer cocktail.
Cherry Recipes to Enjoy this Summer Season
With a small window of time to enjoy cherries seasonally make sure you head down to your local produce market as soon as cherry season rolls into New Jersey. Buying fresh and local produce ensures you’re enjoying the boldest flavors at peak availability. For more seasonal recipe inspirations, we’ve put together Fall Apple Recipes, Winter Pear Recipes, Summer Blueberry Recipes and much more! Fiorentino’s Farm Market is open seasonally providing the freshest fruits, vegetables and produce, as well as snacks, plants & flowers, baked goods and more.