How to Serve Oregon Cherries this Summer
by Above DentalSummer in Oregon isn’t complete without the delicious family buffet meals. Whether for main courses or dessert recipes, cherries are excellent additions to the summer menu, especially because this fruit is in its peak season. We at Above Dental care about our patients’ diets because we know that food has a huge effect on overall oral health.
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This summer, should Oregon cherries be part of your menu? What effect does this fruit have on teeth?
The Best Cherries in Oregon
Oregon is one of the best places to grow cherries, and many varieties can be found around the state. Some of the most popular cherries include:
- Red tart cherries. This kind of cherry has a tangy flavor which blends perfectly with sweet desserts such as cherry pies, ice cream sundaes, and cobblers. It can also be used in cooking, especially in sauces.
- Royal Anne cherries. This variety is becoming more and more popular because of its fleshy texture. It has a mild golden-pink color with a perfect mix of sweetness and tartness.
- Dark sweet cherries. These cherries are great snacks as is, but they also blend well with desserts and savory recipes because they add sweetness to the dish.
Nutritional Value of Oregon Cherries
The most popular variant, red tart cherries are commonly used in dishes and desserts. Every half-cup serving of this cherry has only 60 calories, and is packed with sodium, potassium, fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, and some traces of calcium. It’s often packed in cans to preserve the freshness, although freshly picked cherries are also available in farmer’s markets.
However, cherries are naturally sweet and filled with sugar. Every 100 gram serving of cherries packs 8 grams of sugar. Although it has a low glycemic index and is considered good for diabetics, the fructose in cherries can still be bad for teeth because this natural sugar promotes bacterial growth and reproduction. This can trigger tooth decay and gum disease. Apart from that, the red pigments in cherries can also stain the teeth if eaten excessively.
How to Make Oregon Cherries Tooth-Friendly
Since cherries are high in sugar, you need to limit their consumption, especially if you are eating it as a dessert. Cherry pie is particularly sweet and needs to be eaten in moderation. After eating, you should also drink plenty of water to rinse away the sugars sticking to the surface of your teeth. You should also eat cherries in combination with other foods, particularly those which are tooth-friendly, such as cheese and milk to reverse the negative effects of fructose on teeth.
Dental Health after Summer
After all the celebrations and picnic lunches this summer, don’t forget to check in with Above Dental for a dental examination. Your teeth will need professional cleaning to remove the plaque and calculus that have formed over the season. Above Dental is open to all patients, old and new. All you have to do is give us a call at (541) 756-7568 or request for an appointment through our online contact form. It would be much better to enjoy family dinners and feasts year-round when you have strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth!