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The summery sunshine fruit

09 JULY 2009

Cherries are at their juicy prime in July. There are few greater treats than a rustling brown paper bag stuffed with them, with the ever-present dilemma of where to spit the stones.

They weren’t always so well-loved in England though; during the Middle ages they had all but disappeared. It was only Henry VIII’s eating experience in Flanders that caused their re-introduction - he enjoyed them so much he brought them back.

They are rich in powerful antioxidants, as is the case with most strongly coloured fruit.

It seems a shame to cook them as their flavour is so exquisite raw – but they are wonderful in the classic French pudding, clafoutis.