Summer brings long, bright days, outdoor living and a feeling of renewed energy. It also brings one of the season’s most joyful treats: cherries.
Locally grown and full of colour, flavour and natural goodness, South African cherries add excitement to summer tables and inspire dishes from breakfast to dessert.
Why Cherries Belong in Every Summer Kitchen
Fresh cherries are delicious on their own, but their flavour goes far beyond simple snacking. With a balance of sweet and tart, cherries lift both sweet and savoury dishes, making them one of the most versatile ingredients of the season.
Cherries deliver impressive nutritional value. They are naturally low in calories and fat, and rich in vitamin C, potassium and fibre. Their deep red colour signals the presence of anthocyanins, antioxidants linked to anti-inflammatory benefits. They offer indulgence and wellness in one small, glossy fruit.
Start Your Morning with Cherry-Powered Breakfasts
Juicy Delicious has teamed up with recipe developer Emma Nkunzana and Chef Jenny Morris to showcase new cherry-focused recipes that brighten every part of the day.
Kick off your morning with:
• A Cherry Vanilla Latte
• A Cherry Oat Bowl
• A Brie, Cherry and Herb Omelette
These dishes add natural sweetness and vibrant colour to your breakfast, setting the tone for a day filled with fresh, flavourful ingredients.
Fresh Ideas for Light Summer Lunches
Cherries bring elegance and brightness to lunchtime plates. Add them to crisp salads or savoury tarts, or try:
• Goat’s Cheese and Cherry Tart
• Beef Carpaccio with Pickled Cherries and mustard cream dressing
The burst of cherry flavour adds lift to classic dishes while keeping them summer-ready.
Cherry-Inspired Dinners to Impress
As the sun sets, cherries step into a new role as the hero of rich sauces and glazes.
Try these standout recipes:
• Cherry and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
• Cherry Cured Salmon Gravlax with mini potato rösti
These dishes transform cherries into centrepieces of flavour, ideal for warm evenings with friends or family.
Elegant Desserts for Every Occasion
Cherries shine in desserts, bringing both colour and depth.
Serve:
• Chilled Almond Meringue Roulade with Cherries, Mascarpone and Cream
• Choc Cherry Bark for an easy treat
From refined desserts to fun snacks, cherries always bring a moment of delight.
Add Cherries to Your Festive Table
Cherries add festive flair to holiday entertaining. Make your table stand out with:
• Cherry Christmas Wreath Bread – a brioche ring filled with cherry marmalade and baked camembert, finished with a gold-dusted cherry glaze
• Cherry and Bacon-wrapped Skewers with Gorgonzola dip
• Crostini topped with Baked Cherries and Ricotta
• Upside-down Cherry, Blue Cheese and Balsamic puff pastry squares
These dishes bring bold, celebratory flavour to end-of-year gatherings.
A Signature Cocktail for Summer
For festive toasts, try the Cherry Bomb cocktail featuring fresh cherries and Darling Brew’s Cherry Bomb hopped cooler. This non-alcoholic drink blends bold cherry notes with subtle hops to create a refreshing summer mixer that works as a cocktail or mocktail.
Enjoy Cherry Season All Day Long
Whether you’re waking up with a cherry-inspired breakfast, enjoying light lunches, preparing elegant dinners or hosting festive celebrations, cherries add colour, joy and flavour from morning to night. This summer, make them the bright red jewels that elevate every dish and every moment.