Farmers Market Find: Cherry-Apple Cider Slush

Hurry to the Royal Oak Farmers Market this weekend for delicious Michigan-grown cherries. Don Mattson of Busy Bee Orchards in Imlay City says this weekend is the last for sweet cherries, and two weeks remain for sour cherries.

While you're shopping for cherries, try a cherry-apple cider slush. Mattson makes the special treat at the Farmers Market from pure concentrated cherry juice and natural apple cider. No preservatives or sugar are added. The refreshment not only tastes good, it’s good for you according to Mattson.

“Studies say cherries are a good antioxidant,” he said. Antioxidants are good for maintaining overall health, and may even prevent certain diseases.

A 12 oz. slush costs $1.50.

Cherry Picks: What you need to know

Sweet vs. Sour: Sweet cherries, like Bing cherries, are the kind you pick and eat. Sour cherries are used for baking or making sauces.

“Some people take sour cherries and make chutney to use with meats. I’ve even heard of people who make cherry soup,” Mattson said. “I’ll eat sour cherries plain, but not everyone likes them. Most people find them too tart.”

Black vs. Red: Mattson says many people, who are used to eating dark Bing cherries, think the darker the color the sweeter the cherry. Not true he says.

“Hedelfingen cherries never get dark in color, but they are real sweet,” he said. 

Mattson says the best thing to do is taste a cherry before purchasing. Cherries will taste different depending on where they were grown and when they were picked. He said to ask for a sample before purchasing to make your decision.

Michigan vs. California: California cherries may be sweet but they don’t have the “zing” of a Michigan cherry according to Mattson.

“Michigan cherries are a tart sweet,” he said. “I think that gives them more flavor and more character.”

Cost: Expect cherries to cost between $2.50 and $3 per pound. Mattson says they’re a bit pricey this year.

“Cherries are scarce this year due to all the spring rainfall,” he said. “During the blooming season, we didn’t have good pollination. ... (The bees) won’t go out and work in the rain.”

What is one of your favorite unusual offerings at the Royal Oak Farmers Market?