Tart Cherry Powder – Freeze Dried

Freeze-Dried Tart Cherry Powder is made from organic sour cherries that are carefully freeze-dried and milled into a fine powder. With their bold sweet-tart flavor and rich red color, tart cherries add a vibrant fruity note to drinks and recipes. This powder mixes easily into smoothies, juices, and teas for a refreshing boost.

Shelf-stable and versatile, tart cherry powder is also ideal for baking, sauces, dressings, and desserts. Sprinkle it over yogurt or oatmeal, stir it into pancake or muffin batter, or blend it into energy bars. Convenient and easy to use, it’s a simple way to enjoy the distinct taste of tart cherries year-round.

Freeze Dried Tart Cherry Powder

Z Natural Foods takes pride in bringing our customers a wide range of foods from around the globe in their most versatile form, and our Freeze Dried Tart Cherry powder is no exception.

Our freeze-dried tart cherry powder is created by carefully sourcing the finest tart cherries and then utilizing the perfect drying method to naturally preserve this food’s incredible level of nourishing compounds to obtain and develop the highest quality product.

Tart cherry’s unique flavor profile of mildly tart with a sour kick, or some people describe it as “tangy and tart on the tongue with a refreshing zest,” showcases its unique potential for culinary versatility.

Creating an ideal powdered food provides you with a shelf-stable end product with exceptional versatility and limitless applications. Our mission is to provide the customer with great-tasting, highly functional foods with limitless application in their most versatile form to support a variety of lifestyles.

So, we proudly introduce the newest member of our diverse functional food powders, Z Natural Foods’ Freeze Dried Tart Cherry Powder.

Fun facts about tart cherries, cherry trees, and cherries in general:

• Cherries are one of the highest food sources of Melatonin.

• The average cherry tree yields around 7000 cherries per season.
• Cherries are a part of the stone fruit family.
• Some cherry trees can live for over 100 years.
• One cherry tree yields enough to make 28 cherry pies.
• Most varieties of cherry trees don’t produce cherries, just the blossom.
• Due to the introduction of mechanical tree shakers, a cherry tree can be harvested in around 10 seconds. However, using this device shortens the life of the cherry tree by around seven years.
• Tart cherries mostly grow in Michigan and Wisconsin.
• The most common type of tart cherry is the Montmorency.
• Traverse City in Michigan is the world’s cherry capital, with over 30,000 acres of cherries and 4 million trees producing 175 million pounds of tart cherries annually.
• Michigan hosts the annual cherry pit spitting contest annually.
• The world record cherry spitting distance is 93.6 feet.
• The story of George Washington cutting down the cherry tree is believed to be invalid.
• There are more than 1000 varieties of cherries grown in the wild.
• The average cherry pie contains around 250 cherries.
• It is believed that cherries originated in Turkey and SW Asia.
• According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest baked cherry pie is 17 ft 6 in diameter and weighs 28,350 pounds.
• Almonds (because they are stone fruits) are the nut most closely related to cherries.
• Some of the most popular varieties of cherries are Bing, Stella, and Rainer.
• Like peaches, plums, and almonds, cherries belong to the rose family.
• The color of cherries can range from yellow to reddish black, depending on the variety.

The power of Flavinoids

If you understand the value of broad-spectrum nourishment, you know the importance of flooding your body with polyphenolic compounds.

We know from research that there is excellent value in consuming a wide variety of these potent compounds, as each brings something unique to the table. Therefore, it only makes sense to include tart cherry into the mix.

Polyphenols are a term used to describe a general category of compounds found in a broad spectrum of fruits, vegetables, and tea that work as “reducing agents” along with other compounds known as antioxidants to support a healthy inflammation response and the body’s ability to protect and repair damaged tissue caused by oxidative stress.

While over 8,000 polyphenols have been identified, some of the most common are flavonoids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. They represent the pigments that exhibit the bright red, purple, and blue colors found in fruits and vegetables. The six most common are Cyanidins, Delphinidins, Malvidins, Peonidins, Petunidins, and Pelargonidins.

Many health experts believe that a diet rich in flavonoids, a category of compounds found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and tea, is crucial for supporting a healthy aging process.

Flavonoids are known as nature’s biological response modifiers. 

There are over 8,000 different types of flavonoids found in nature, and the total daily amount you consume matters, whether from food or supplements. Experts recommend a daily intake of 500 to 2000 milligrams of flavonoids from various sources.

A randomized controlled trial discussing how flavonoid-rich foods improve microvascular reactivity and inflammatory status in men at risk for cardiovascular disease showed the following:

• The HF F&V diet increased endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity
• Reduced C-reactive protein and vascular cell adhesion molecule
• HF F&Vs increased plasma NO in the group as a whole.

Therefore, the following was concluded, “These data support recommendations to increase F&V intake to ≥ 6 portions daily, with additional benefit from F&Vs that are rich in flavonoids, particularly in men with an increased risk of CVD.”

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are a part of the flavonoid family of polyphenolic compounds. They represent the pigments that exhibit the bright red, purple, and blue colors found in fruits and vegetables. The six most common are Cyanidins, Delphinidins, Malvidins, Peonidins, Petunidins, and Pelargonidins.

Flavonoids are a group of water-soluble polyphenolic secondary metabolites found in plants thought to provide health benefits through cell signaling (The process when a cell responds to a substance outside the cell through signaling molecules found on the surface of that cell) and antioxidant effects. Secondary metabolites are substances manufactured by plants that make them compete in their environment, exerting a wide range of effects on the plant itself and the surrounding living organisms, including flowing, fruit setting, signal deciduous behavior, and acting as antimicrobials. Over 50,000 secondary metabolites have been discovered, and many modern medicines rely on them for their mechanism of action. There are six major subclasses of flavonoids: Anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones. These account for around 60% of all polyphenols.

Carotenoids are a class of red, orange, or yellow fat-soluble pigments produced by plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. There are more than 600 types of carotenoids(some of the most common include alpha and beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin), all with unique attributes that are researched for their potential ability to take on antioxidant-like qualities. Carotenoids are classified into two primary groups: Xanthophylls(primarily protect from too much sunlight, contain oxygen, more yellow pigment, and are associated with nourishing the eyes), which closely associate with green leafy vegetables, and Carotenes(have no oxygen and are associated with orange pigment).  An interesting fact that surprises people is that tart cherries are a great source of Carotenoids, specifically beta carotene and vitamin A. Tart cherries have as much as 19 times the beta carotene and vitamin A as strawberries and blueberries. 

Tart Cherries: A Tasty Way to Support a Healthy Inflammation Process

When we look at the food and herbs that traditionally best support a healthy inflammation response, most people think of ginger, turmeric/curcumin, black seed oil, or bromelain from pineapple, and all of them are excellent choices.

However, tart cherry is one of the most underrated foods that should be at the top of that list. While we have known for some time many conditions plaguing our society are linked to inflammation, modern medicine has yet to provide a healthy, long-term solution.

What they have provided to us is short-term solutions with serious pitfalls. Make no mistake, these pharmaceuticals do work; however, it is essential to understand what anti-inflammatories are, what they do, and their potential pitfalls. 

Anti-inflammatories only work on one area of the inflammation cascade and often negatively disrupt the entire cascade. In a nutshell, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories work by reducing prostaglandins called cyclooxygenases, otherwise known as COX. There are two types of OCX enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2. Both produce these prostaglandins that activate platelets and protect the stomach lining. The job of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories is to essentially block the COX enzymes and reduce the production of prostaglandins. For your reference, aspirin is a COX-1 inhibitor, and Celebrex (now known as celecoxib) is a COX-2 inhibitor. Here is a reference link from the Cleveland Clinic on Celecoxib.

Prednisone (A steroid-based anti-inflammatory) works in a much different way to produce a similar result. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal glands.” While corticosteroids have serious pitfalls (especially with high-dose and/or long-term use), they are also potent and effective compounds.

The following was stated on GoodRX.com. There’s no official definition for long-term use. However, over 30 days is generally considered long-term steroid use. Most often, oral corticosteroids are prescribed for roughly 1 to 2 weeks — and only for very severe symptoms. However, for certain chronic health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, corticosteroids may be necessary for months or even years.

The longer you take steroids, the more likely it’s that you’ll have side effects. Oral corticosteroids like prednisone are much more likely than local corticosteroids to cause these side effects.

Tart cherry, on the other hand, supports a healthy inflammation response by down-regulating the entire cascade via suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB. The potential of tart cherry is exciting because it also substantially affects COX-1 and COX-2 pathways via its down-regulating effects. 

Essentially, tart cherry has been shown to do the following: 

• It suppresses nuclear factor-kappaB, a protein complex that turns genes on to produce inflammation. This is the initial trigger in the inflammation cascade.
• It inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
• It suppresses IL-6 and acts as both a pro and anti-inflammatory.
• It down-regulates genes involved in the inflammation process.
• It lowers uric acid levels.

The effects of tart cherry juice consumption were tested in a double-blind, randomized trial of runners participating in a 24-hour relay race. Runners drank a total of 710 milliliters (the equivalency of 100 cherries providing 80 mg of anthocyanins) of beverages containing either tart cherry juice or a placebo for one week before and during the race. While both groups reported pain after the race, the runners who drank the tart cherry juice experienced a substantially lower pain response.

Scientists also conducted a controlled trial on indices of muscle recovery. Participants were given tart cherry or a control drink for five days before, one the day of, and two days after a marathon race. Runners in the tart cherry group had significantly lower inflammation biomarkers (IL-6 & CRP) compared to the placebo group.

The tart cherry group also recovered isometric strength faster than the control runners, demonstrating an accelerated recovery following strenuous exercise.

Tart Cherries: A Food that Helps Nourish Healthy Sleep Patterns

Tart cherries have been studied for their impact on various aspects of sleep. It seems that one of the primary factors for this positive effect is that tart cherries are the number one food source of melatonin.

If you have ever used a melatonin supplement, you know there is a tiny margin of error when finding your sweet spot. A little too much or too little can profoundly affect your sleep and how you feel the following day. However, before we understand why a food source like tart cherry is different, let’s discuss melatonin and how it works.

Melatonin (also known as the sleep hormone or the hormone of darkness) is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that inhibits melanin formation and is thought to be concerned with regulating the reproductive cycle.

Our brains produce melatonin in response to darkness, and it helps with the timing of our circadian rhythm and sleep. In a nutshell, melatonin helps induce and control sleep. However, it also affects hormone levels, immune function, inflammation, and cell protection.

One of its essential roles is DNA protection and repair. This is why sleep hygiene studies discuss the importance of complete darkness in your sleep environment; exposure to light (especially artificial light) during your sleep cycle can block melatonin production.

The following was stated in a review discussing the effects of overexposure to smartphones, computers, and tablets.

• Constant exposure to devices like smartphones, personal computers, and television can severely affect mental health- increase stress and anxiety, for example, and cause various sleep issues in both children as well as adults.
• Risk factors for obesity and cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, poor regulation of stress, low HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance, are among the physical health repercussions we see.
• The psychological health effects comprise suicidal tendencies and symptoms of depression, which are associated with digital device dependency, screen-time-induced poor sleep quality, and content-influenced negativity.
• Oftentimes, it can cause the induction of a state of hyper-arousal, increase stress hormones, desynchronize the body clock or the circadian cycle, alter brain chemistry, and create a drag on mental energy and development.

The following was stated in a randomized control trial looking at the effects of tart cherry on melatonin levels and sleep quality after seven days of use:

• Total melatonin content was significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in the cherry juice group.
• There were significant increases in time in bed, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency total (P < 0.05) with cherry juice supplementation.
• There was no difference in the timing of the melatonin circadian rhythm, and there was a trend to a higher mesor and amplitude.

Therefore, the following was concluded. Consumption of a tart cherry juice concentrate increases exogenous melatonin, which improves sleep duration and quality in healthy men and women and might be beneficial in managing disturbed sleep.

Some potential bonuses of tart cherry consumption

Finally, tart cherry may be something you want to consider adding to your brain or bone-building smoothie in the morning, as preliminary research shows that tart cherry may support various aspects of cognition and memory and profoundly prevent bone breakdown. The following was stated in a randomized placebo-controlled study discussing tart cherry’s effects on improving sustained attention, alertness, mental fatigue, and the influence on plasma metabolism in middle-aged adults.

• Tart MC phytochemicals have also been reported to exert anti-neuro-inflammatory properties, suppress neuronal apoptosis, and stimulate pro-survival signaling cascades. These are mechanisms that may protect against cognitive aging.

Summary of Important Information

Z Natural Foods hand-picks specific ingredients for our customers based on three concepts to provide the best quality product possible to support optimal well-being.

• Versatility
• History of safe and effective usage
• Strong evidence of positive research outcomes in humans

The power of Flavinoids

Polyphenols, including flavonoids, are compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and tea that act as antioxidants and support healthy inflammation response. These substances help protect and repair tissue damaged by oxidative stress. Flavonoids are responsible for the vibrant colors in many fruits and vegetables, with six common types being Cyanidins, Delphinidins, Malvidins, Peonidins, Petunidins, and Pelargonidins.

Tart Cherries: A Tasty Way to Support a Healthy Inflammation Process

Tart cherries are a delicious and natural way to support a healthy inflammation response, offering a potential alternative to pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories. While conventional anti-inflammatory medications can be effective, they often target only one aspect of the inflammation cascade and may have undesirable side effects. In contrast, tart cherries provide a more holistic approach to supporting the body’s natural inflammatory processes without the potential pitfalls associated with pharmaceutical interventions.

Tart cherry, on the other hand, supports a healthy inflammation response by down-regulating the entire cascade via suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB.

Tart cherry supports a healthy inflammation response by down-regulating the entire inflammatory cascade through the suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB, a protein complex that triggers inflammation. This natural approach inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, suppresses IL-6, down-regulates inflammation-related genes, and lowers uric acid levels, offering a comprehensive solution for managing inflammation.

Tart Cherries: A Food that Helps Nourish Healthy Sleep Patterns

Tart cherries are renowned for their positive impact on sleep patterns, primarily due to their high melatonin content. Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness, plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm, sleep, hormone levels, immune function, and cell protection. Proper sleep hygiene, including a dark sleep environment, is essential for optimal melatonin production and its associated benefits, including DNA protection and repair.

 

Some research suggests that Tart Cherries may contain the following constituents:

• Minerals: Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Manganese,
• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Choline, Vitamin A (RAE), Beta carotene, Vitamin A (IU), Lutein & Zeaxanthin, Vitamin E (Alpha), Vitamin K
• Anthocyanidins: Peonidin, Cyanidin
• Flavan-3-ols: Catechin, Epicatechin
• Flavonols: Kaempferol, Quercetin, Isorhamnetin

This product is 100% natural and minimally processed. Taste, smell, texture, and color vary from batch to batch. Due to its nature, this powder tends to clump. If clumping occurs, lay the bag on a flat surface and place a towel over the bag. Then pound on the bag until the clumps break up. The towel will help protect the bag from damage. To further reduce clumping, push as much air as possible before sealing the pouch and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Suggested Use: Mix one tablespoon with juice and yogurt or add to your favorite smoothie. We recommend refrigerating this product to maintain freshness.

Mixing Suggestions: To increase flavor and nutritional profile, combined with our organic extra-rich cacao powder.

Botanical Name: Prunus cerasus.

Other Names: sour cherry, wild cherry, pie cherry, tart cherry juice, Montmorency cherry, Balaton cherry

Parts Used: Whole Cherry (No Seed).

Ingredients: Organic Freeze-Dried Tart Cherries, Silicon Dioxide.*
*This product contains a small amount of silicon dioxide, which acts as a drying agent and is necessary to keep this powder from clumping into hard chunks or one solid brick.

Origin: Grown and freeze-dried in the USA and packaged with care in Florida, USA.