In recent years, consumers have embraced superfruits, such as pomegranate, acai, blueberry and cranberry, for their antioxidant content. However, certain cherry varietals also rank alongside the more renowned superfruits in terms of antioxidant content. Although the fruit has long been favored as a pie filling and ice cream sundae topper, cherry is still establishing itself as a beverage ingredient, but suppliers say that’s ripe for a change.
An already popular fruit and fruit flavor, Greg Kaiser, president of Encore Fruit Marketing, Bellingham, Wash., says cherry benefits from being easily recognized by consumers.