Pop this cherry

The summer does not only bring heat, but also the arrival of cherries on mass in the city. They might vary in terms of color; some are bright orange, while others are dark red. However they all share one common characteristic, that being that they are simultaneously great for the health and delicious.

Cherry good for the health

Cherries contain natural sugar, citric acid, carotene and loads of iron. As we all know, iron is essential for the health, especially for women, and can help hemoglobin's regeneration. So by eating cherries, one can keep iron deficiency at bay.

According to Fan Zhihong, a nutritionist and safety expert at China Agricultural University, cherries also contain anthocyanin, which is an anticarcinogen.

"Anthocyanin can be found in dark colored berries, so the dark colored cherries are a good choice and can prevent some kinds of cancers from developing," Fan said.

Because of the anthocyanin, cherries can also relieve joint pain. "In 2010, researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) tested cherry juice against a placebo amongst athletes, who were going to run a 197 mile relay race. It turned out that after the race, the runners who drank the cherry juice reported less pain and faster muscle strength recovery than those who received the placebo," wrote renowned American author and physician Dr Andrew Weil on his official website.

More importantly, cherries are a rich source of antioxidants, which is just what all us Beijingers need as the summer sees the city becoming even more polluted. So where can people pick up the wonder fruit?

　　Cherry picker

For all those who want to pick their own cherries and escape from the busy crowds, uptown is a good place to visit. Farms in Sijiqing, Haidian and Daxing districts all have places to go to get rustic. Here are a few:

Daxing cherry farm

Address: Cherry Farm, Nantiangezhuang village, Weishanzhuang county, Daxing district

Tel: 8923-1584

Price: 240 yuan ($38) for 2 kilograms, can take children under 1.2 meters with you, groupon available online for 79 yuan

Ming Tomb cherry farm

Address: Shisanling county, Changping district

Tel: 131-4667-3917

Price: 40 yuan per person

Dazhoumo Fruit Tree Garden

Address: Sujiatuo county, Haidian district

Tel: 6245-0972, 6246-9167

Price: 100 yuan per person

Baijiatong Sightseeing Farm

Address: Baijiatong village, Haidian district

Tel: 6245-4358

Price: 30 yuan per kilogram, 3 kilograms minimum purchase

Who at all the pie?

Anyone born in the 1980s or before will probably associate cherry pie with hit TV drama Twin Peaks. Moving away from the US, decent cherry pie can actually be found in Beijing. For people who want to taste the American-style cherry pie, A Food Affaire at the Xingfuyicun branch of April Gourmet is a must visit. People can buy all sorts of things, including pies and cakes there. In addition, charity Bread of Life Bakery provides American-style baked cherry pie for 120 yuan and offers free delivery if people spend more than 200 yuan; order cherry pie online at www.breadoflifebakery.org or call 137-2262-2865. You can enjoy the food, whilst helping orphans.

Pie House will also offer cherry pie throughout June, with each one costing 249 yuan. A free delivery service is provided.

But why just stop at pie? Cherries can be made into all different kinds of desserts. If you check out bakeries on your way to work, you will discover cakes decorated with cherries and bread baked with them. The Kempinski Hotel Delicatessen provides cherry Danish pastries for one.

Then, in restaurant Green Tea [Wangjing branch] people can taste cherry mousse.

Cherries can even be drunk. Cherry juice can be found at Jenny Lou's and April Gourmet.　

Let the cherry blossom in your home

People may know how to make a decent cherry pie, but how about some more inventive Chinese takes on cooking using cherries? Here are a few suggestions.

Cherry jam

You will need 30 grams of fresh cherries, 10 grams of longan fruit and 10 grams of Chinese wolfberries. First, boil the longan fruit and Chinese wolfberries until they expand. Then add the cherries and boil until the liquid thickens. Add white sugar - the amount will vary according to your taste preferences.

Cherry liquor

Prepare 250 grams of fresh cherries by putting them into a big jar after they are washed. Then pour one liter of baijiu into the jar and seal it. Stir the liquid once every three days and a rich cherry liquor will be ready to drink within 15 to 30 days.

Cherry sauce

Wash one kilogram of fresh cherries and remove their stones. Place the cherries in a pan with some white sugar and bring to the boil. Then turn down the heat and let the cherries and sugar simmer until they form a dense liquid. Add some lemon juice into the mix and boil for a few minutes before removing from the heat.