Cherry stones

Cherry pip love! I've finally finished cleaning these little suckers so we can reuse them. Not only did we get to gorge ourselves silly on summer cherries, but now I can use the clean pips to make heat bags to ward off premenstrual cramps and winter chills.

Apparently this is a traditional use in Northern Europe as cherry stones can retain heat for a nice long while. I originally had grand visions of becoming a cherry stone heat bag mogul, but they take so long to clean properly that I'll save them for my treasured friends and family. Guess what they'll be getting for Xmas this year?

If it's summer where you are, go and get yourselves some cherries pronto because they are magnificently delicious and nutrient dense. The tart cherries are more commonly used for their food as medicine properties due to their high antinflammatory and antioxidant status (particularly anthocyanins, cyanidins and quercetin), and vitamin c content. They even produce a natural form of melatonin to help improve sleep quality. Sour cherry juice is also an effective remedy for reducing gout by lowering uric acid levels. But whichever cherry you can find, please enjoy while the season lasts

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