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'fresh' cherries? And how to freeze?

18 years ago

A farm market here in OH said they were going to get a bunch of tubs of cherries on a truck from Michigan so I ordered the smallest amt - 10 lbs! (another issue I only have a small fridge).

When I opened the tub I guess I expected firm bright red cherry like it had been picked from the tree recently.

These look sort of like they've been canned? They were pitted, so in that part of processing, do they get sort of that maroon color and sort of soggy look? The tub has lots of juice.

I'm a little disappointed.

And also, how can I freeze these is relatively small amts so they will fit in my small freezer....or is it just not really good to freeze? I don't have any canning stuff though I suppose I could get some.

Thanks

P.S. Don't be surprised if you see another question about cherry pie filling:)

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Comments (6)

Nancy
18 years ago
Are they sweet cherries or sour pie cherries? I have a Montmorency (sp) cherry tree & this is the first year it has REALLY produced cherries. After pitting, mine look pretty much like what yours sound like. Believe me, they are SO much easier to get already pitted. I froze mine, put them in freezer bags with about 1/3 cup sugar in them for 4 cups cherries. That is what I read to do. I've only used one package & it seemed to be as good as the fresh. I used it in a cobbler, & did reduce the amount of sugar I normally add to cherry cobblers.
If your cherries are the sweet variety, I believe you can freeze them the same way, might not need as much sugar.
grainlady_ks
18 years ago
You may find the link below useful. Scroll down to the type of cherries you are working with. -Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: National Center for Home Food Preservation
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marys1000
Original Author
18 years ago
Yes they are sour pie cherries. I tried one, pretty dang tart!
marys1000
Original Author
18 years ago
Nice link Grainlady - thanks. Sounds really simple...how often does that happen?:)
readinglady
18 years ago
Cherries are simple, especially pie cherries. They freeze exceptionally well. I don't even use sugar.

Having grown up in an orchardist family and having pitted more sour cherries than I care to think about, all I can say is if you got pitted cherries, thank your lucky stars.

Measure, drop in freezer bags and enjoy in the depths of winter.

Carol
marys1000
Original Author
18 years ago
Ok so these are in a lot of juice, when I dip in with a measureing cup - do I drain before I sugar pack?

From website:
Sugar Pack Â To 1 quart (l1/3 pounds) cherries add 3/4 cup sugar. Mix until sugar is dissolved. Pack into containers, leaving headspace. Seal and freeze.

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