🍎 Fruits and Fruit Juices

Calories in Cherries, sweet, dark red

Sweet dark red cherries are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.

Cherries, sweet, dark red — 71 calories per 100g, nutrition facts
71 kcal
per 100g
Protein 1.04g
Carbs 16.2g
Fat 0.19g

What makes cherries so powerful?

Sweet dark red cherries owe their deep pigmentation to a class of flavonoids called anthocyanins, specifically cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside. These compounds do more than provide color; they act as potent antioxidants in the human body by neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, cherries are one of the few natural dietary sources of melatonin, a hormone primarily secreted by the pineal gland to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. The presence of melatonin in cherries was first identified by researchers in the early 2000s, who found that tart and sweet varieties both contain the compound, though concentrations vary depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Additionally, the anthocyanins in sweet cherries have been studied for their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are the same targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen. This dual mechanism of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action is why cherries have been investigated for reducing muscle soreness and joint pain. The Bing cherry, one of the most popular dark red sweet varieties, was developed in Oregon in 1875 and remains a benchmark for sweetness and firmness in modern agriculture.

🍒
Natural Melatonin Source
Contains sleep-regulating melatonin, a compound rare among common fruits.
💪
Anti-inflammatory Anthocyanins
Deep red pigments inhibit COX enzymes similarly to NSAID pain relievers.
🧊
Highly Perishable
Degrades quickly at room temperature, requiring prompt refrigeration.
💡 When & how to use it

Store unwashed sweet cherries in the refrigerator in a breathable bag to prevent moisture buildup, keeping them fresh for about a week. Wash just before eating to avoid mold. Remove the pit using a cherry pitter or a chopstick pushed through the stem end. Dark sweet cherries pair exceptionally well with almond butter; both share complementary flavor compounds from benzaldehyde, making the combination naturally appealing in snacks. You can also roast them briefly with olive oil and salt to concentrate their sugars for a savory glaze over chicken breast.

Calories by Serving Size

100g
71 kcal
P 1.04g C 16.2g F 0.19g
1 RACC (140g)
99 kcal
P 1.5g C 22.7g F 0.3g
200g
142 kcal
P 2.1g C 32.4g F 0.4g
50g
36 kcal
P 0.5g C 8.1g F 0.1g
grams = 71 kcal

Full Nutrition Facts

Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 100g
Calories 71
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.19g 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 16.2g 6%
Protein 1.04g 2%
Vitamin C 10.4mg 12%
Calcium 12.3mg 1%
Iron 0.11mg 1%
Potassium 230mg 5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

How does Cherries fit your daily goals?

🏃
14 min
Walking to burn 71 kcal
🎯
4%
of 2,000 kcal daily goal
💪
1.04g
protein (2% of daily 50g)
28
servings until 2,000 kcal
🍎

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Cherries, sweet, dark red?

Cherries, sweet, dark red contains 71 calories per 100g. A standard serving of 1 RACC (140g) provides 99 calories. It is a moderate-calorie food that can fit into most healthy diets.

How much protein does Cherries, sweet, dark red have?

Cherries, sweet, dark red provides 1.04g of protein per 100g, which is 2% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is not a primary protein source.

How many carbs are in Cherries, sweet, dark red?

Cherries, sweet, dark red contains 16.2g of carbohydrates per 100g .

Is Cherries, sweet, dark red good for weight loss?

Cherries, sweet, dark red has 71 kcal per 100g, which is relatively moderate. It can fit into a weight-loss diet as long as portion sizes are managed.

How do I track Cherries, sweet, dark red calories accurately?

The easiest way to track cherries is with CalRay. Simply snap a photo of your meal and the AI will automatically identify the food and calculate calories and macros based on the estimated portion size — no manual lookup required. You can also search by name and adjust gram weight manually.

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