These three proven methods will help you pit cherries effortlessly.
How to pit cherries
Cherry season is the time for homemade pastries, jams, compotes, and freezing berries for winter. However, preparing the fruit often takes a lot of time, as pitting them by hand seems like a rather tedious process. In reality, there are several simple methods that will help you tackle the task in literally a matter of seconds, without buying special devices.
All you need are items found in almost every kitchen. We’ll tell you how in the TSN.ua article.
Method #1. Glass bottle and wooden skewer
This method is considered one of the most convenient. It allows for quick removal of pits, leaving the berries almost whole.
What you’ll need
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A clean glass bottle with a narrow neck;
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A wooden skewer, chopstick, or the thin handle of a spoon.
How to do it
Place the bottle on a table and position a cherry on top of the neck so that the attachment point of the stem is in the center. Then, gently press down with the skewer. The pit will easily pass through the berry and fall into the bottle, while the flesh remains on top.
This method barely contaminates the work surface, and all the juice stays within the berries.
Method #2. A regular cocktail straw
If you don’t have a wooden skewer handy, a sturdy plastic or reusable metal straw will come in useful.
Step-by-step instructions
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Place the berry on a cutting board or the rim of a glass.
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Insert the straw from the stem side and gently push it all the way through. The pit will come out the other side, and the cherry itself will retain its neat shape.
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This option is particularly convenient for berries intended for pies, dumplings, or desserts.
Method #3. Safety pin or paperclip
Another popular life hack requires no special tools. A regular safety pin or a large unfolded paperclip will work.
Insert the rounded end into the spot where the stem was, hook the pit, and carefully pull it out. Although this method is a bit slower, it works well for very ripe and juicy fruits.
How to avoid juice splashes
When pitting, it’s advisable to follow a few simple rules.
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Use chilled berries – they hold their shape better.
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Wash and thoroughly dry the cherries before starting.
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If you plan to process a large quantity of fruit, cover the table with paper towels or a silicone mat.
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Work in small batches so the berries don’t lose their juice.
Which method is the fastest
For a large harvest, the bottle and wooden skewer method is the most convenient. With a bit of practice, you can pit several berries in less than a minute, and the pits will go straight into a container, creating no mess.
If you need to prepare a small portion of cherries for a dessert or to decorate baked goods, a straw or a safety pin works perfectly.
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Source: tsn.ua