Many people have discovered that 100% ready to drink tart cherry juice helps relieve the pain of arthritis and gout.

Others say it cures headaches and some say it helps them sleep better.

Tart cherries are seldom sold fresh; they generally are canned or frozen shortly after harvesting for use in many different kinds of products throughout the year.

Some of the primary cherry products consumers will find at supermarkets are cherry pie filling (both regular and lite), unsweetened canned tart cherries, unsweetened frozen tart cherries, dried tart cherries, tart cherry juice and cherry concentrate. Other popular cherry products in supermarkets are cherry jams and jellies, frozen cherry pies, cheesecakes and turnovers, assorted cherry-filled cookies and pastries, and many other products.

There are about 7,000 tart cherries on an average tree; that's enough cherries for about 28 pies.

One pound of frozen cherries equals about 3 cups; it takes 4 to 5 cups of tart cherries to make a pie.

There are about 2 1/3 cups cherry pie filling in a 21-ounce can. There are about 2 cups of tart cherries in a 16-ounce can.

Package sizes of dried tart cherries vary; one pound equals about 3 1/2 cups.

Today's busy lifestyles don't allow much time for cooking and baking. If your time in the kitchen is limited, delicious cherry menu ideas are as close as your supermarket.

Consider Some of These...

Purchase a can of cherry pie filling and a frozen pound cake or deli-baked angel food cake. Slices of cake topped with cherry pie filling make a tasty dessert.

Dried tart cherries add a gourmet touch to the precut salad mixes available in the produce section of most supermarkets.

Get homemade taste without the labor by purchasing a frozen cherry pie. Bake the pie while you are getting the rest of the meal prepared. Or purchase a deli-baked cherry pie; it's great with a scoop of ice cream.

Dried tart cherries mixed with cashews, smoked almonds or honey roasted peanuts make a great snack or appetizer for family or unexpected guests