Why Cherries?

Touted as a superfood, cherries have numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A & C. These juicy, crimson orbs are also loaded with antioxidants, which can help reduce bad cholesterol and inflammation, promote a healthy heart and aid in muscle recovery. And did you know that cherries are one of the few natural sources of melatonin, which aids in better sleep?

In our family, we think cherries are as good for the soul as they are for the body. For us, they conjure up fun family memories of vacationing in Door County, Wisconsin. Each summer, we spend a long weekend camping in Peninsula State Park, where we’re just a stone’s throw from thousands of acres of cherry orchards. Door County is a beautiful spot for relaxation, the arts, biking, and water sports, but it is also widely known for its cherry orchards. In fact, Wisconsin is the fourth largest cherry producing state in the US.

A trip to Door County would not be the same without a visit to Lautenbach’s Orchard Country, a fantastic market known for its plethora of cherry products. We enjoy sampling their wines, cherry juice, and cherry salsa and we always grab fresh cherries, cherry pie, and chocolate-covered cherries to take back to our campsite!

When we started The Oatball Company, we knew we had to produce a cherry-flavored oatball and we knew exactly which cherry we wanted to use: the Montmorency cherry. Why? One, they’re grown in Wisconsin and two, they are perfectly tart and not too sweet. Paired with almonds and just a few other wholesome ingredients, the cherry flavor really pops in our Cherry Almond Oatball! This is now one of our best sellers! 

What’s your favorite cherry-based product?