Which Cherries Have the Most Melatonin?

You may have heard of the many benefits that cherries can bring. Their antioxidants and nutrients really can’t be beaten. But one thing that people are often fascinated by is their source of melatonin.

Some kinds of grain or produce have chemicals that can turn into melatonin in the body, but cherries have a source of this sleepy hormone right off the branch.

But which cherries have the most melatonin? All cherries contain melatonin, but studies have shown that the highest quantity is found in tart cherries like the Montmorency. Per gram of cherry, Montmorency varieties contain .013 mg of all-natural melatonin.

The average dosage range of melatonin ranges from .5 to 5 mg in a day. To get a substantial serving of this hormone, you would have to eat more tart cherries than most people would really prefer to do. However, Chukar makes it easier to enjoy tart cherries with a variety of organic dried tart cherries, tart cherry granola, and tart cherry preserves.

So you know which cherries have the most melatonin. Now, how can you make sure you get the melatonin you need?

Ways to Incorporate Cherries for Sleep

People use tart cherries like Montmorency in pies and pastries. For those who are asking which cherries have the most melatonin so that they can use them as a sleep aid, they’ll find that they have a few options.

Some people like to pair cherries with other sleepytime foods. You may not know this, but both oats and nuts can promote healthy sleep cycles, which means that you can easily make a trail mix from dried tart cherries that’s delicious and perfect before a nap or on a long plane ride. Chukar even carries delicious Cherry Almond Granola and Grain Free Cherry Granola.

However, the most popular way to get cherry melatonin is from a concentrated juice.

Even just two cups of tart cherry juice is the equivalent to over 3 grams of a traditional melatonin supplement. This makes tart cherry juice a great tool to treat jet lag and insomnia.

So if you’re looking for a cherry experience that’s perfect before bed, pour yourself a tall glass of juice or open up a bag of dried cherries and prepare for some sweet dreams!

Source: Natural Medicine Journal