Don't throw away cherry stalks anymore! Even stalks of this fruit are good for health. Renowned for natural diuretic effect, cherry stalks or cherry peduncles have powerful draining properties that stimulate kidney function. Drying preserves their flavour and benefits so they can be enjoyed year-round. Dried cherry stalks are used in infusions or cleansing decoctions. If you want to benefit from purifying and detoxifying properties and try a cherry stalk cure yourself, here are our tips to dry them successfully!
Which cherry varieties for drying cherry stalks?
Composition of natural active principles in cherry stalks varies according to cherry tree species. While all cherry varieties produce stalks that can be dried and stored, stalks from Morello cherries from the Morello tree (Prunus cesarus) are those with the most virtues. However, you can harvest peduncles from sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium) such as ‘Burlat’, ‘Napoléon’ or ‘Cœur de Pigeon’, as well as those of guignes. The key is to choose fully ripe cherries, without imperfections, to obtain best results when drying their stalks. Prefer healthy cherry tree varieties grown without chemicals and away from pollution, ideally from organic production such as:
- Organic Morello cherry tree "Griotte de Montmorency" which produces juicy fruits of bright red colour with tart flesh.
- Early River cherry tree, an early guigne variety that yields large red fruits with tender, sweet flesh.
- Organic Morello "Toussaint" cherry tree which provides abundant production of deep red Morello cherries attached by a long peduncle to the branch.
When to dry cherry stalks?
Harvest of cherry peduncles takes place during summer when cherries reach ripeness. When cherries are ripe, stalk turns brown. It is preferable to harvest stalks during peak cherry season, when fruits are abundant and fresh.
How to dry your own cherry stalks?
Choose healthy cherries, without imperfections, to obtain best results when drying their stalks. About 200 cherries yield approximately 10 g of dried stalks, or roughly two handfuls.
Preparing cherry stalks for drying:
- After harvest, remove stalks from cherries
- Wash them thoroughly to remove impurities and any insects
- Dry them on a tea towel or absorbent paper
Air-drying
Air-drying is most traditional and natural method.
- Simply spread them out on a clean cloth
- Ensure stalks are well spaced to allow good air circulation
- Leave them to dry in a dry, airy place for about 1 to 2 weeks, turning regularly to ensure even drying
- Protect them from insects and dust by covering with a mosquito net or muslin
Cherry stalks are considered dry when firm, brittle and free of any moisture. You can press them lightly to make sure they are completely dry. If still soft or damp, extend drying time.
Oven-drying
Oven-drying is a simple method, but energy-intensive.
- Preheat oven to low temperature, ideally 50–60°C
- Spread cherry stalks on a baking tray lined with baking paper, spacing them so they do not touch
- Leave to dry for about 4–6 hours, leaving oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape
- Watch closely to prevent stalks from burning
- Remove from oven and let cool
How to store cherry stalks?
To preserve freshness and properties of dried cherry stalks, store them in airtight containers (glass, plastic, metal) in a dry, cool place away from moisture and direct sunlight. This way you can enjoy dried cherry stalks for several months. Another option is to keep them loose in resealable kraft paper bags or fabric bags.
Check stalks regularly to ensure they remain in good condition. If you notice signs of deterioration or moisture, it is best to discard them. Dried cherry stalks can be consumed for at least one year.
How to use dried cherry stalks?
Dried cherry stalks are commonly used to prepare draining, beneficial infusions. They have a bitter, astringent taste.
As an infusion
To make one, simply boil water, add a handful of dried cherry stalks (15 grams of stalks per 1 litre of preparation) and let infuse for about 10–20 minutes. You will obtain a delicately flavoured infusion, which can be enjoyed hot or cold.
When to take cherry stalk infusion?
It is best to drink your infusion just after meals. You can drink this infusion throughout the day, but remember cherry stalks have a diuretic effect... For beneficial effect, drink 2 to 3 cups per day. Once prepared, this infusion keeps easily in a bottle in the fridge.
As a decoction (extraction of active principles by cold extraction):
- Let 50 grams of cherry stalks macerate for twelve hours in 1 litre of water
- Boil for about ten minutes and allow to infuse for 20 minutes
- Strain mixture.
What are the benefits of cherry stalks?
Cherry stalks contain flavonoids as well as mucilages, potassium salts and tannic acid. They are also rich in natural antioxidants. They are renowned for medicinal virtues, draining effect and detoxifying and even anti-inflammatory properties. They act as a natural drainer on kidneys and urinary tract promoting elimination of toxins and excess water from the body, just like birch or dandelion. They limit water retention, reducing sensation of heavy legs. Such highly diuretic infusions are taken as a cure, only for a few consecutive days to drain body quickly. A cherry stalk cure (about 50 stalks twice a day) can help as part of a slimming diet. Indeed, drinking a cherry stalk infusion would create a feeling of fullness and contribute to weight loss. Cherry stalk tea presents no contraindications. However, to avoid possible side effects, avoid overconsumption (diarrhoea, allergy).
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