Michigan Cherries, photo by david_s_carter.

Although I managed to deftly overlook the first ever National Eat Red Week (Feb 4-10), there’s still time for me to save face here in the Cherry Capital of the World by reminding you that February is National Cherry Month and asking you to eat (or drink) as many of these red beauties as you can find!

Why red? Why cherries? Choose Cherries explains:

Cherries’ RED color comes from powerful antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins that studies suggest may reduce risk factors for heart disease. Recent research conducted by the University of Michigan found that a cherry-rich diet significantly lowered blood cholesterol levels and reduced triglycerides, major risk factors for heart disease.

They list a whole lot more potential benefits of eating cherries including relief of arthritis and gout, diabetes and cancer prevention and better sleep.

To those I’d add the benefits of purchasing cherries and cherry products to Michigan’s farmers who who produce 75% of our nation’s tart cherries.