Surinam cherries are good for digestion, boosts immunity, improves lung function, and helps in weight loss. It has anti-cancer properties, increases hemoglobin count and helps alleviate joint pain.
Also called Brazilian cherries or French cherries, Surinam cherries have a sweet taste and are usually red. They are scientifically called Eugenia uniflora and are rich with a multitude of essential nutrients that are good for you.
In This Article:
- Health Benefits of Surinam Cherries
- Nutritional Value (per 100 grams)
- How can I Safely Consume Surinam Cherries?
- Are there any Side Effects of Eating Surinam Cherries?
- Can it be Eaten During Pregnancy?
- Can we give Surinam Cherries to Kids?
- Simple Recipes with Surinam Cherries
Health Benefits of Surinam Cherries
Good for Digestion
The astringent and antiseptic properties of Surinam cherries can help you deal with gastrointestinal distress. These include diarrhea and some forms of intestinal wounds and ulcers. The bark of the plant has also been extensively used for improving your gastrointestinal health.
Boosts Immunity
These cherries are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for building strong immunity. It boosts the defensive mechanisms of the body and protects you from diseases, inflammation, colds, and infections. The vitamin C in the cherries works by accelerating the production of antibodies and fighting the disease-causing microbes.
Improves Lung Function
Eating Surinam cherries helps promote the smooth functioning of your lungs and it also prevents abnormal functioning of your lungs and keeps your lungs’ infection-free effectively.
Helps with Weight Loss
Surinam cherries contain a low amount of calories. one cup of cherries contains about five calories. So eating these cherries help you manage your weight and prevents you from gaining excess weight. Surinam cherries also promote satiety, thus keeping you full for longer.
Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Surinam cherries are rich in antioxidants and substances that inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and tumors by destroying free radicals.
Increases Your Hemoglobin Count
There are high levels of vitamin C content and a significant amount of iron is present in Surinam cherries and these can help increase the production of red blood cells and boost your hemoglobin count. Eating these cherries can help prevent symptoms of anemia (such as dizziness and fatigue).
Helps Alleviate Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatory benefits of these Surinam cherish helps to minimize joint pain effectively, as well as consuming this fruit daily helps alleviate any and all muscular pain.
Nutritional Value (per 100 grams)
- Total Fat 0.4 g 0%
- Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
- Sodium 3 mg 0%
- Potassium 103 mg 2%
- Total Carbohydrate 7 g 2%
- Protein 0.8 g 1%
- Vitamin A 30%
- Vitamin C 43%
- Calcium 0%
- Iron 1%
- Cobalamin 0%
- Magnesium 3%
How can I Safely Consume Surinam Cherries?
These cherries are great additions to fruit cups, salads and ice cream. They can also be made into pies, preserves such as jelly, jams, syrup, relish or pickles. Brazilians typically ferment the juice into vinegar, wine, and liquor.
Are there any Side Effects of Eating Surinam Cherries?
Overeating Surinam cherries, especially the seeds, can cause stomach aches and toxicity in the stomach. Consuming about 1 cup (100 g) of Surinam cherries in a day is ideal and best avoid the seeds.
Can it be Eaten During Pregnancy?
Surinam cherries can a good addition to your pregnancy diet. It is rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that helps in boosting immunity in pregnant women. A cup of Surinam cherries has nearly 82 percent of carbs. Thus making them a great source of energy. It is recommended to talk to your doctor first though.
Can we give Surinam Cherries to Kids?
While it is an acquired taste, the fruit is fine to give to children. However, the seeds are poisonous so it is recommended to wash and pit the cherries first, before serving.
Simple Recipes with Surinam Cherries
Surinam Cherry and Carambola Jam
Ingredients
- 6 1-cup canning jars
- 5 carambolas
- 1 cup of chopped and pittedSurinam cherries
- 6 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of liquid pectin
Directions
- Wash the carambolas and then, remove the ends and the dark ridges. Chop them coarsely.
- Place the canning jars (along with their lids) in a large pot with simmering water. This will help sterilize them. You can remove the lids as soon as they are hot. Keep the jars in the hot water as long as needed.
- Now, combine the carambolas with the cherries in a food processor.
- Add the mixture to a saucepan over low heat. Stir until it sizzles.
- Add the sugar and allow it to liquefy, and then get it to a boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes, uncovered.
- Now, pour the final fruit mixture into the hot and sterile jars. Close them with the lids and allow them to cool.
Surinam Cherry Chiffon Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust, 9-10 inch diameter, baked and cooled
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
- ¼ cup of cold water
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup surinam cherry pulp (about 1½ cup fruit)
- 1 cup whipping cream, sweetened with powdered sugar and whipped to soft peaks
Directions
- Soften the gelatin in 1/4 cup water. Beat the yolks together with HALF of the sugar and add the fruit pulp. Cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly.
- Add the softened gelatin and stir until dissolved. Cool and set aside.
- Whip the egg whites until frothy then gradually add the remaining amount of sugar, beating until peaks begin to hold their shape.
- Fold beaten whites into cherry mixture and fill the pie shell, then chill until firm.
- Top with prepared whipped topping just before serving. Serves 8-10.
Sources
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-health-benefits-of-surinam-cherries/
