Tart cherry or Prunus cerasus is species of Prunus, native to greater Europe and southwest Asia. It was originally discovered centuries ago in the Carpathian Basin where it was cultivated for its sour fruit. This tart form of cherry was first utilized to make tart cherry juice and tart cherry pie. Today tart cherry can be found in various supplement forms, such as capsules, tablets, and powder. Scientific discoveries have revealed that the antioxidant flavonoids found in these tart cherries provide strong nutritional value. Anthocyanin is the primary flavonoid that gives the fruit its dark red pigment.
Tart Cherry is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, & K and minerals like manganese, potassium, copper. It also contains trace amounts of B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, omega-3 & 6. Compared to related sweet cherries, tart cherries have antioxidant levels that are significantly higher!
