A Frugal Feast: Repurposing Sour Cherry Pits

Sour cherries are a delightful summer fruit, but what do you do with the pits after enjoying the juicy flesh? Instead of tossing them out, let’s explore some creative ways to reuse these often-overlooked treasures.

Sour Cherry Pit Tea: A Natural Remedy

• Why it’s beneficial: Sour cherry pit tea is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe muscle aches and pains.
• How to make it:
  1. Dry the Pits: Spread the pits out on a baking sheet and dry them in a low oven or a food dehydrator.
  2. Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  3. Add Pits: Add a handful of dried cherry pits to the boiling water.
  4. Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Strain and Enjoy: Strain the tea and drink it hot or cold.

Sour Cherry Pit Pillow: A Natural Pain Reliever

• Why it’s beneficial: A cherry pit pillow can be heated or cooled to provide relief from muscle aches, arthritis pain, or menstrual cramps.
• How to make it:
  1. Dry the Pits: Dry the pits as described above.
  2. Choose a Pillowcase: Select a small, soft pillowcase.
  3. Fill the Pillowcase: Fill the pillowcase with the dried cherry pits.
  4. Heat or Cool: Heat the pillow in the microwave or cool it in the freezer.

Sour Cherry Pit Extract: A DIY Beauty Treatment

• Why it’s beneficial: Sour cherry pit extract is rich in antioxidants and can help improve skin health.
• How to make it:
  1. Dry the Pits: Dry the pits as described above.
  2. Grind the Pits: Grind the dried pits into a fine powder.
  3. Infuse in Oil: Mix the powder with a carrier oil like almond or olive oil.
  4. Strain and Store: Strain the oil and store it in a dark, cool place.

By repurposing sour cherry pits, you can reduce waste and enjoy the benefits of these little treasures. So, the next time you indulge in a bowl of sour cherries, remember to save the pits for a variety of uses.