Dried Sour Cherry Pieces

Dried sour cherry pieces are made from tart cherries (Prunus cerasus) that have been pitted, sliced, and dehydrated. This process concentrates their flavor and extends their shelf life. They are often sweetened and sometimes coated to prevent clumping.

Manufacturers add dried sour cherry pieces for their tart-sweet flavor and chewy texture. They are used to add fruitiness and visual appeal to a variety of foods, especially baked goods, trail mixes, cereals, and confectionery like chocolate.

Dried sour cherry pieces are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. They are a source of fiber and antioxidants. While specific evaluations by JECFA or EFSA for dried sour cherry pieces as a distinct ingredient are not widely published, cherries themselves are a common food item. Some research suggests potential anti-inflammatory benefits from compounds found in tart cherries, but more studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans at typical dietary intakes.