Make the most of cherry season with these 6 easy vegan cherry recipes — from cherry jam and chutney to rasam, lemonade, crumb bars, and more!
Cherry season is short, sweet, and absolutely worth celebrating. Whether you’re picking up a big bag of fresh cherries at the farmers’ market or scoring a deal at the grocery store, fresh cherries are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. From tangy chutneys to refreshing drinks and baked treats, there are so many ways to enjoy them beyond snacking straight from the bowl.
This roundup brings together six of my favorite cherry recipes — both sweet and savory — that make the most of this beautiful summer fruit.
If you’re in the Bay Area, cherry-picking season is something you absolutely cannot miss. The orchards are stunning, the fruit is incredibly fresh, and there’s nothing quite like cooking with cherries you picked yourself. For those of us not close to an orchard anymore, the farmers’ market is the next best thing — and these recipes are a perfect way to put that fresh fruit haul to good use.
Savory Recipes With Fruits
Fruits have always had a special place in my kitchen — both in sweet and savory recipes. While sweet pairings feel natural, savory ones are a fun challenge that always pays off. From watermelon rasam to apple pickle to mango puliserry, I love pushing boundaries with fruits in unexpected ways — and cherries were no exception!
Cherries have this beautiful balance of sweet and tart that makes them work in almost anything. I’ve used them in everything from South Indian-style rasam and pickle to crumb bars and lemonade — and every single time, they deliver.
All six recipes are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, and most come together quickly — perfect for busy summer days when you want to cook with fresh produce without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s what’s in the lineup:
- Cherry Mango Crumb Bars — buttery oat-based crumble bars with a juicy mango-cherry filling
- Fresh Cherry Lemonade with Lychee — a vibrant, refreshing summer drink
- Cherry Chutney (Instant Pot) — a sweet-tangy relish ready in minutes
- Cherry Jam without Pectin (Instant Pot) — simple, homemade jam with minimal ingredients
- Cherry Thokku (Cherry Pickle) — a bold, spiced South Indian-style pickle
- Cherry Rasam — a unique sweet-and-spicy thin soup, South Indian style
Tips for Buying and Storing Fresh Cherries
Picking the right cherries makes all the difference in these recipes. Here’s what to look for:
- Choose firm, plump cherries with shiny, deep-colored skin. Soft or wrinkled cherries are past their prime.
- Check the stems — fresh cherries should have green, flexible stems still attached. Brown or missing stems are a sign they’ve been sitting too long.
- Buy in season — cherry season runs from late May through July depending on your region. This is when they’re at their sweetest and most affordable.
- Store them unwashed in the refrigerator and rinse only just before using. They keep well for up to a week when stored this way.
Whether you’re new to cooking with cherries or looking for fresh ideas to use up your haul, these recipes have something for everyone. Let’s dive in! Click each recipe to go directly to it.
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