When you think of Christmas, what fruit comes to mind? An orange? A pear? An apple? How about cherries? Well listen up! I am going to let you in on a secret that is going to change the way you think of cherries during this holiday season. Stoneridge Orchards has farms and orchards in Washington State and is a part of Royal Ridge Fruits, third-generation growers of cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and other premium fruits. They are committed to providing the best all natural, dried fruits and berries that seal in the deliciousness that nature intended. Free of sulfites, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors these fruits will stay in your memory and on your taste buds. Stoneridge Orchards sent me a ton of cherries to taste. I received Montmorency Cherries, Dark Chocolate Dipped Cherries, Greek Yogurt Dipped Cherries, and Chili Lime Cherries. I received 5 oz and 3 oz bags in all the flavors except the Chili Lime Cherries, which I only received the 3 oz. The bigger bags are all resealable.
Montmorency Cherries are sweet, tart, and plump cherries with intense flavor. ” A stellar antioxidant in its own right, Montmorency cherries are also a good source of fiber and contains superior levels of vitamin A, beta carotene, and vitamin B6. Excellent for baking, salads, or as an anytime snack. Eat by the handful as a healthy or add to your favorite cereal.” These cherries are delicious. I ate them by the handful for a healthy snack. I like them because although they are “dried” fruit they are still plump and juicy. They are shriveled little raisins. They are tasty! Although I could just eat them alone and by the handful I wanted to try them in some cookies. I made chocolate chip cookie dough and added these. They were AMAZING! Chocolate Dipped Cherries are amazing! Notice how the package is open? That is because I couldn’t wait to eat them until I took the picture. I dug in as soon as they arrived. They are dipped in dark chocolate but the sweet, tartness of the cherries cuts the bitterness of the dark chocolate. Stoneridge only uses whole fruits in these…no fruit juice and pectin mixture. The dark chocolate adds iron and magnesium to this healthy snack.
Just when you think cherries could get any better I introduce you to Greek Yogurt Dipped Cherries. Ah.Maze.Ing! I am a chocoholic but these are even better than the chocolate dipped cherries! Normally Greek yogurt is a little bitter/ sour but not when you add the sweet, tart flavor of cherry! These cherries are sweet, juicy, and addicting. The Greek yogurt adds protein to this antioxidant rich healthy snack. Chili Lime Cherries talk about fun and different! I am not a spicy person so these weren’t my favorite but my husband wasn’t slow to eat the bag himself. He loved them! He said it is the perfect blend between sweet and spicy and then the lime flavor cools it all down. These cherries are seasoned with “Tajin , the 1 seasoning blend sold in Mexico and the United States. Tajin is the perfect blend of premium chilies, lime juice, and sea salt!” This flavor adds a kick to healthy snacking. This holiday season fill the toe of stockings with cherries. Giving neighbors treats? Bake cookies with cherries cherry white chocolate or cherry chocolate chip both sound great to me! Sprinkle some on top of the green salad you take to the holiday party. However you eat them, you will love them! My local Sunflower Market carried Stoneridge Orchards go HERE to see where you can find your closest retailer.