Organic Sour Cherries 250g

Sour cherries — also known as tart cherries or Morello cherries — have a sharper, more intensely fruity flavour than sweet cherries, and a significantly higher concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These organic sour cherries from Just Natural Organic are dried and ready to eat, providing a pleasantly chewy texture with a characteristic tart-sweet flavour that's distinctly different from sweeter dried fruits.

Tart cherries are particularly rich in anthocyanins — the pigment compounds that give them their deep red colour and are associated with anti-inflammatory, post-exercise recovery, and sleep-quality benefits. They also provide melatonin, Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fibre.

Certified organic by the Soil Association. Plastic-free, home-compostable packaging. Available in 250g.

Eat as a snack. Add to granola, porridge, or yoghurt. Use in Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake), clafoutis, or cherry muffins. Mix into trail mix. Use in savoury game dishes or duck sauce. Add to dark chocolate bark or energy balls. Mix into overnight oats for a post-exercise breakfast.

Recipe idea — Cherry & Almond Overnight Oats: Mix 60g rolled oats with 200ml oat milk, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tsp maple syrup, and ¼ tsp almond extract. Refrigerate overnight. Top with 30g dried sour cherries, 1 tbsp flaked almonds, and a drizzle of honey. A post-exercise breakfast rich in anthocyanins, omega-3, and slow-release carbohydrates — takes 3 minutes to prepare the night before.

Key nutrients: Rich in anthocyanins (anti-inflammatory polyphenols), melatonin, Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fibre. Higher antioxidant capacity than sweet cherries.

Ingredients: Organic Dried Sour Cherries.

FAQs

Can tart cherries help with sleep?
Tart cherries are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin — the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Several small clinical studies have found that tart cherry juice consumption improves sleep duration and quality. Dried sour cherries contain melatonin in lower concentrations than juice, but as part of a regular diet may contribute to natural melatonin levels.

Are sour cherries good for exercise recovery?
Yes — tart cherries are one of the most studied foods for exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery. Their high anthocyanin content is associated with reduced oxidative stress and inflammation after intense exercise, potentially supporting faster recovery and reduced muscle soreness.

What is the difference between sour and sweet cherries?
Sweet cherries (Prunus avium — the type eaten fresh) have a milder flavour and lower antioxidant concentration. Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus — used in cooking and drying) are smaller, more tart, and have up to 5 times more anthocyanins than sweet varieties. For therapeutic applications and cooking, sour cherries are the preferred variety.

Are these gluten-free?
Yes — dried sour cherries are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use these in baking?
Yes — dried sour cherries work excellently in muffins, clafoutis, Black Forest cake, and scones. Unlike fresh cherries, they don't need pitting and don't release excess moisture during baking.