The cherry season is short; they are at their best in December, so enjoy them while you can. Choose organic cherries to avoid all the pesticides in non-organic cherries.
Cherries are very good for you, with high levels of antioxidants, potassium, iron, vitamin C and B complex vitamins. Cherries contain phytonutrients (eg: flavenoids), and eating phytonutrient rich fruits and vegetables, such as cherries, helps to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Additionally, recent studies have shown cherries have the potential to relieve the pain of arthritis, gout and inflamed joints.
Many recipes call for pitted cherries. You can buy cherry stoners from speciality kitchen stores, or pit them with a small sharp knife.