Cherries, those juicy, ruby-red jewels of summer, are a true delight. Whether enjoyed fresh, baked into pies, or transformed into jams, their sweet-tart flavor is simply irresistible. However, there’s often a slight hurdle standing between you and pure cherry bliss: the pit. Learning how to efficiently and effectively remove those pesky pits can dramatically enhance your cherry-eating (and cherry-baking) experience. This guide provides everything you need to know to become a cherry-pitting pro.
Understanding the Cherry Pitting Challenge
The challenge of pitting cherries lies in achieving a balance. You want to remove the pit cleanly and efficiently, while minimizing the amount of cherry flesh lost or damaged. This preservation of the cherry’s integrity is crucial, especially if you’re using them for aesthetic purposes, such as topping a cake or making a beautiful cherry pie. Different methods offer varying degrees of success, depending on your needs and resources.
The variety of cherry also plays a role. Rainier cherries, with their delicate flesh, might require a gentler approach than firmer Bing cherries. Understanding the cherry’s texture allows you to choose the best pitting technique.
Essential Tools for Pitting Cherries
While you can pit cherries with nothing more than your fingers and a little patience, having the right tools can make the process significantly faster, cleaner, and less messy. Several specialized gadgets are designed specifically for this task.
The Cherry Pitter: Your Pitting Workhorse
A cherry pitter is a dedicated tool designed to quickly and efficiently remove pits. These come in various forms, from single-cherry pitters to multi-cherry pitters that can process several cherries at once. Single-cherry pitters are typically handheld and feature a plunger mechanism with a pin that pushes the pit out. Multi-cherry pitters are often countertop models with a hopper to hold the cherries and multiple plungers that work simultaneously.
Single-cherry pitters are ideal for smaller batches or when precision is key. They offer more control and minimize damage to the cherry. Multi-cherry pitters are perfect for large quantities, such as when you’re preserving cherries or making a big batch of jam.
When choosing a cherry pitter, consider the following:
- Durability: Opt for a pitter made from sturdy materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic.
- Ease of Use: Look for a pitter that’s comfortable to hold and easy to operate.
- Ease of Cleaning: A dishwasher-safe pitter is a definite bonus.
- Cherry Size Compatibility: Ensure the pitter can accommodate the size of cherries you typically use.
Improvised Pitting Tools: Ingenuity at Its Finest
Don’t have a cherry pitter? Don’t worry! Several household items can be repurposed for cherry pitting.
- A Chopstick or Skewer: A chopstick, skewer, or even a sturdy paperclip can be used to push the pit out. Simply insert the pointed end into the stem end of the cherry and push the pit out.
- A Pastry Tip: A pastry tip with a pointed end can also be used in a similar way.
- A Butter Knife: A small butter knife can be used to cut around the pit and then pry it out. This method is more time-consuming and can result in more damaged cherries.
- A Drinking Straw: A sturdy drinking straw can be used to push the pit out, similar to a chopstick.
Protecting Your Workspace: Avoiding the Cherry Splatter Zone
Pitting cherries can be a messy affair. Cherry juice can stain surfaces and clothing, so it’s essential to protect your workspace.
- Use a Cutting Board: Place a cutting board under your pitting area to catch any stray juice.
- Wear an Apron: An apron will protect your clothing from stains.
- Work Over a Bowl: Place a bowl next to your cutting board to collect the pitted cherries.
- Line Your Workspace: Consider lining your workspace with parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy cleanup.
Mastering Cherry Pitting Techniques: Step-by-Step Guides
Now that you have your tools and workspace prepared, let’s dive into the actual pitting techniques.
The Cherry Pitter Method: Speed and Efficiency
- Prepare the Cherries: Wash and dry the cherries thoroughly. Remove the stems if desired.
- Load the Pitter: Place a cherry into the pitter’s chamber, stem end up.
- Plunge the Pit: Firmly press down on the plunger to push the pit out.
- Collect the Pitted Cherry: Remove the pitted cherry and place it in a bowl.
- Repeat: Continue pitting cherries until you have the desired amount.
For multi-cherry pitters, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you’ll load the cherries into the hopper and then operate a lever or crank to pit multiple cherries simultaneously.
The Chopstick/Skewer Method: A Frugal Approach
- Prepare the Cherries: Wash and dry the cherries. Remove the stems if desired.
- Locate the Stem End: Find the small indentation where the stem was attached.
- Insert the Chopstick: Insert the pointed end of the chopstick or skewer into the stem end of the cherry.
- Push the Pit: Gently but firmly push the pit out of the cherry.
- Collect the Pitted Cherry: Remove the pitted cherry and place it in a bowl.
- Repeat: Continue pitting cherries until you have the desired amount.
This method requires a bit more finesse than using a cherry pitter, but it’s a great option if you don’t have one on hand.
The Butter Knife Method: A More Deliberate Process
- Prepare the Cherries: Wash and dry the cherries. Remove the stems if desired.
- Make a Cut: Use the tip of the butter knife to make a shallow cut around the circumference of the cherry.
- Twist and Separate: Gently twist the two halves of the cherry to separate them.
- Remove the Pit: Use the tip of the knife to pry the pit out of one of the halves.
- Collect the Pitted Cherry: Place the pitted cherry halves in a bowl.
- Repeat: Continue pitting cherries until you have the desired amount.
This method is more time-consuming and can result in more damaged cherries, but it’s a viable option if you need to keep the cherries intact for presentation purposes.
Tips and Tricks for Cherry Pitting Success
To further enhance your cherry-pitting skills, consider these additional tips and tricks:
- Chill the Cherries: Chilling the cherries before pitting can help them stay firmer and easier to handle.
- Work in Batches: Don’t try to pit too many cherries at once. Work in smaller batches to maintain control and prevent fatigue.
- Use a Splatter Screen: If you’re using a cherry pitter, consider placing a splatter screen over your workspace to minimize mess.
- Embrace the Imperfections: Don’t strive for perfection. Even with the best techniques, some cherries will inevitably get slightly damaged.
- Save the Juice: Don’t discard the cherry juice! It can be used to flavor smoothies, cocktails, or desserts.
What to Do with Your Pitted Cherries
Once you’ve mastered the art of pitting cherries, the possibilities are endless.
- Enjoy Them Fresh: Simply eat them as a healthy and delicious snack.
- Bake a Pie or Tart: Cherry pies and tarts are classic summer desserts.
- Make Jam or Preserves: Preserve the taste of summer by making cherry jam or preserves.
- Add Them to Salads: Pitted cherries add a burst of sweetness and flavor to salads.
- Use Them in Cocktails: Garnish cocktails with pitted cherries or muddle them into the drink.
- Freeze Them: Freeze pitted cherries for later use in smoothies, baked goods, or sauces.
Cleaning Up After Pitting: Minimizing the Mess
Cleaning up after pitting cherries doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple steps, you can minimize the mess and get your kitchen back in order.
- Rinse Your Tools: Immediately rinse your cherry pitter and other tools with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe Down Your Workspace: Wipe down your cutting board and countertop with a damp cloth.
- Wash Your Apron: Wash your apron as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting in.
- Dispose of the Pits: Compost the cherry pits or discard them in the trash.
Cherry Pitting: A Rewarding Skill
Mastering the art of pitting cherries opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you’re using a dedicated cherry pitter or a simple chopstick, the key is to practice and find the technique that works best for you. With a little patience and these helpful tips, you’ll be enjoying perfectly pitted cherries in no time.
What are the best types of cherries to pit using these methods?
The pitting methods discussed work best with firm, ripe cherries. Bing, Rainier, and Lambert cherries are excellent choices due to their size and flesh consistency. Softer, overripe cherries can be more challenging to pit cleanly, regardless of the method used, and may result in more squishing or juice loss.
Avoid using these methods on dried or maraschino cherries as they are processed differently. Fresh, firm cherries will yield the best results and be the most satisfying to work with. Also, remember to choose cherries that are free from blemishes or bruises to minimize waste during the pitting process.
Can I use a paperclip as a cherry pitter?
Yes, a straightened paperclip can be used as a makeshift cherry pitter. Bend the end of the paperclip into a small hook shape, insert it into the stem end of the cherry, and use the hook to scoop out the pit. This method works best for small batches or when you don’t have a dedicated cherry pitter.
However, a paperclip may not be as efficient or sanitary as a proper cherry pitter, especially if you’re processing a large quantity of cherries. Be sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize the paperclip before use and avoid using it if it’s damaged or rusty. Consider investing in a dedicated cherry pitter for larger tasks.
What is the “chopstick method” of pitting cherries, and how does it work?
The chopstick method involves using a chopstick (or skewer) to push the pit out of the cherry. Place the cherry stem-side up on top of a bottle opening or a pastry tip. Then, firmly push the chopstick through the cherry, forcing the pit out the other side.
This method is quick and effective, especially for smaller cherries. It also minimizes juice loss compared to methods that involve cutting the cherry open. Experiment with different sizes of bottle openings or pastry tips to find what works best for the size of your cherries.
How do I avoid staining my hands when pitting cherries?
Cherry juice can stain your hands, but there are several preventative measures you can take. Wearing disposable gloves is the most effective way to avoid staining. If gloves aren’t available, consider washing your hands frequently with soap and water during the pitting process.
Another helpful tip is to work quickly and efficiently. The longer the juice sits on your skin, the more likely it is to stain. You can also try rubbing lemon juice or baking soda paste on your hands after pitting to help remove any remaining stains.
What is the best way to store pitted cherries?
Pitted cherries should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods. Pitted cherries will typically last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, consider freezing the pitted cherries. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pitted cherries can last for several months.
Can I use a cherry pitter to pit olives?
While some cherry pitters might work for olives, it’s not generally recommended. Olives often have a different shape and size than cherries, and the pitter’s mechanism may not be suitable. Using a cherry pitter on olives could damage the pitter or result in an uneven or messy pitting process.
Consider using a dedicated olive pitter for best results. Olive pitters are designed specifically for the shape and size of olives and can make the pitting process much easier and more efficient. They are also less likely to damage the olives.
What are some recipes I can use pitted cherries in?
Pitted cherries are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. They are delicious in pies, tarts, crumbles, and cobblers. They can also be added to smoothies, salads, and yogurt for a burst of flavor and nutrition. Cherry jam and sauces are other excellent options.
For a savory twist, try adding pitted cherries to roasted meats, especially duck or pork. They pair well with balsamic vinegar and herbs like thyme and rosemary. Consider also making a cherry salsa or chutney to serve with grilled chicken or fish.