Looking for ways to embrace sustainable eating while treating your taste buds? 🍒 Cherries are not just a summer delight—they’re versatile, nutrient-rich, and can be incorporated into a variety of recipes. By choosing locally sourced cherries and using every part of the fruit, you can reduce waste and enjoy eco-friendly meals. Let’s dive into these five sustainable cherry recipes that will add a burst of flavor to your day while keeping your carbon footprint low!
1. Cherry Smoothie with a Sustainable Twist
Start your day with this refreshing cherry smoothie, packed with antioxidants and made with minimal waste.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a reusable glass or jar and enjoy immediately.
Sustainability Tip: Freeze cherries during their peak season to enjoy smoothies year-round without buying imported fruit.
2. Vegan Cherry Pie
This vegan cherry pie is a showstopper for any occasion, made with fresh, juicy cherries and a flaky, plant-based crust.
Ingredients (Crust):
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup coconut oil (chilled)
• 6-8 tbsp cold water
Ingredients (Filling):
• 4 cups pitted cherries
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in chilled coconut oil. Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and lemon juice for the filling.
4. Roll out the dough, add the filling, and top with a lattice crust or full cover. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden.
Sustainability Tip: Use organic or locally grown cherries to minimize transportation-related emissions.
3. Homemade Cherry Preserves
Capture the essence of cherry season with this simple, sustainable preserve recipes
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cherries (pitted)
• ½ cup organic sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
3. Let cool, then store in sterilized jars.
Sustainability Tip: Reuse glass jars from previous products to store your preserves.
4. Cherry Almond Energy Bites
Perfect for an on-the-go snack, these cherry almond energy bites are simple, nutritious, and sustainable.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup almond butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until mixture holds together.
2. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Store in a reusable container.
Sustainability Tip: Choose dried cherries without added sugars or preservatives and compost any leftover stems.
5. Iced Cherry Hibiscus Tea
This vibrant tea is a zero-waste refresher that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 hibiscus tea bags
• 1 cup pitted cherries (mashed)
• Ice cubes
• Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes.
2. Add mashed cherries to the tea and let cool.
3. Strain into a pitcher, add ice, and garnish with mint leaves.
Sustainability Tip: Compost the tea bags and cherry pits to keep your waste minimal.
Final Thoughts!
Cherries are not only delicious but also an excellent fruit for sustainable eating when used creatively and sourced responsibly. From breakfast smoothies to indulgent pies, these recipes help you make the most of seasonal produce while reducing waste. 🌱 Whether you’re freezing cherries for smoothies or crafting a homemade preserve, every little effort contributes to a greener planet.
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