What is Tart Cherry Juice? Origins, Benefits & How It’s Made
On
/
0 comments
Quick context: Traverse Bay Farms has been making Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate from USA-grown fruit since 2001. Each ounce of concentrate contains the juice of approximately 100 cherries — no additives, no sediment, just the fruit.
Quick Summary
- Tart cherry juice is made from Montmorency cherries, the variety most studied by researchers.
- It is a natural source of melatonin and anthocyanins, supporting sleep, joints, and recovery.
- Traverse Bay Farms concentrate is 7:1 ratio, sediment-free, and bottled from USA-grown fruit.
Updated: 4/30/25
If you've ever wondered, "What is tart cherry juice and why is everyone drinking it?", you're not alone. Tart cherry juice has earned a reputation as one of nature's most powerful superfruit drinks, backed by growing research and wellness experts. Whether you're seeking joint support, better sleep, or faster post-exercise recovery, this ruby-red beverage may be the answer.
Made from Montmorency cherries — one of the richest sources of natural melatonin and anthocyanins — each ounce of Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate contains the juice of approximately 100 cherries. With just 15g of naturally occurring sugar per serving and no additives, it delivers a potent health boost in every glass.
Explore our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to shop our full line. Want to dive into the science? Check out this NIH-backed study on tart cherries and inflammation for more details.
Facts at a Glance
- 100 cherries in every ounce of concentrate
- 7:1 concentration – mix 1 oz concentrate with 7 oz water
- Top source of melatonin in the fruit world
- High in anthocyanins – a unique antioxidant for inflammation
- Made in Michigan with sediment-free guarantee
What Is Tart Cherry Juice?
Tart cherry juice is made from Montmorency tart cherries, grown primarily in Northern Michigan, Utah, and Washington. Known for their tangy flavor and deep red color, these cherries are prized for their natural levels of melatonin, anthocyanins, and potassium.
Tart cherry juice comes in two forms:
- 100% juice (ready to drink)
- Juice concentrate, which must be diluted (1 oz concentrate + 7 oz water)
At Traverse Bay Farms, our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate uses only USA-grown fruit, and it's guaranteed sediment-free. That means no gritty residue — just smooth, vibrant flavor.
Why Choose Traverse Bay Farms
Why Choose Traverse Bay Farms
- Family-owned Northern Michigan company founded in 2001.
- Winner of 38+ national food awards since 2008.
- Featured in Bottom Line Health and trusted by athletes and wellness professionals nationwide.
- Sediment-free guarantee — the only brand in the cherry juice category to offer it.
What Are the Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice?
Here's why tart cherry juice has become a go-to wellness drink:
1Supports Healthy Joint Function
According to research from Oregon Health & Science University, tart cherry compounds — particularly anthocyanins — have strong anti-inflammatory properties. These help fight oxidative stress and support healthy joint comfort.
2Improves Sleep Quality Naturally
Tart cherries are the #1 fruit source of melatonin, the natural hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. One serving (1 oz concentrate) contains approximately 100 nanograms of melatonin, helping support deeper, more restful sleep.
How to Use for Sleep: Drink 1 glass (1 oz concentrate mixed with 7 oz water) 1 hour before bed.
3Reduces Muscle Soreness & Aids Recovery
Studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine show that tart cherry juice can reduce muscle pain and improve recovery time after exercise. Ideal for athletes, runners, gym-goers, and anyone with physically demanding work. Drink before or after workouts to help soothe muscles and speed up recovery.
A note on wellness claims
Tart cherry juice is a food and supplement, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have ongoing health concerns or take medication, talk with your healthcare provider before relying on any food or supplement.
How Is Tart Cherry Juice Made?
Ever wonder what goes into that concentrated bottle of cherry goodness? Here's a breakdown of the juice-making process:
1Harvesting Premium Cherries
Only high-quality Montmorency tart cherries are picked at peak ripeness.
2Juice Extraction
The cherries are crushed, and juice is extracted using a cold-press method to preserve nutrients.
3Flash Pasteurization
The juice is briefly heated to destroy any harmful microbes without degrading antioxidants.
4Water Removal
Through a gentle evaporation process, most of the water is removed — leaving behind the potent 7:1 concentrate.
5Bottling & Storage
The concentrate is bottled in an FDA-registered facility with strict GMP standards. To enjoy: Mix 1 oz of concentrate with 7 oz of water for a full glass of tart cherry juice.
Watch the Journey from Orchard to Bottle
Check out our video on how to make cherry juice.
Cherry Juice Recipe Hack
Cherry Wellness Tonic (Great for Sleep or Recovery):
- 1 oz tart cherry juice concentrate
- 7 oz cold filtered water
- Squeeze of lemon
- Optional: Pinch of ginger or turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory support
Directions: Mix and enjoy 1 hour before bed or after exercise.
FAQs
People Also Ask
In Summary
Tart cherry juice is a powerhouse of wellness — supporting joint comfort, better sleep, and faster recovery with every sip. Backed by science and made from USA-grown Montmorency cherries, it's a delicious way to boost your health naturally.
Ready to try it yourself? Order your bottle of Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate today and feel the benefits. Use code TY335 for $5 off your order at Traverse Bay Farms.