We Love Summer Cherries (and You Will Too)
Nothing says summer like fresh BC cherries.
Stop by L'OCA this summer for mouthwatering cherries and make your warm days even sweeter.
3 min read
L'OCA
From Orchard to L'OCA
“We love bringing in fresh BC cherries because they’re the perfect start to summer,” says Laura Bowen, produce team leader at L’OCA Quality Market Sherwood Park. “They come to us straight from orchards in the Okanagan, where the climate is ideal for producing the sweetest, juiciest cherries.”
Laura says timing is key to preserving that flavour.
“Our suppliers pick every cherry in the early hours of the morning to make sure they are as fresh and flavourful as possible,” she says, “and by the time they arrive on our shelves, they’re still as delicious as the moment they were picked.”
Picking the Best of the Bunch
Finding the perfect cherry is easier when you know what to look for.
Keep an eye out for the darkest reds and the greenest stems.
Laura says, “The very best are firm to the touch and still have their stems attached.” Size matters, she adds. “Bigger cherries tend to taste better and are bursting with more flavour.”
When you bring home cherries from L’OCA, keep them at their best by storing them in the refrigerator and washing only just before eating. This way, they stay fresh, juicy, and delicious for up to a week, ready whenever you need a sweet summer treat.
Pit Like a Pro
Pitting cherries is easier than you think, and you don’t need any fancy gadgets.
Start by removing the stem, then grab a wooden chopstick or a straw. Hold the cherry between your fingers and push the chopstick or straw into the stem hole to pop out the pit.
Pro tip from Laura: "Cherry juice is delicious but can get messy, so make sure to pit your cherries over a bowl."
You can also use a small knife to cut the cherry in half and twist the halves apart to remove the pit, just like you would with an avocado.
If you want to keep it simple, just pop cherries in your mouth and let those pits fly for some pure summer fun.
The Best of Summer
“Peak cherry season at L’OCA Quality Market runs from late June through mid-August,” says Laura, “so be sure to enjoy them while they’re at their best.”
A rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, fresh cherries also offer a lower glycaemic index than many fruits and contain melatonin, which may help support healthy sleep.
But the best part about cherries is how much fun they are to eat!
Toss them into green salads, pair them with chocolate, goat cheese, almonds, or pistachios, use them to bring out the best in grilled pork or duck, or eat them by the handful until your lips are stained.
Just don’t wait too long, because when cherry season's over, Laura says, “you’ll be wishing you had eaten more!”
From L'OCA Cellars
The Backyard Cherry Mojito
INGREDIENTS
8 Fresh Cherries, pitted
6 Fresh Mint Leaves
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Simple Syrup
2 oz White Rum
Crushed Ice
Club Soda
Mint (for garnish)
STEPS
In a highball glass, add the pitted fresh cherries and the mint leaves.
Gently muddle them together to release their juice and oils, but don't pulverize them.
Add the fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and white rum.
Fill the glass generously with crushed ice and gently stir for 15-20 seconds.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
NOTE
To make simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and hot water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, and allow to cool before using.