Ever wondered how to measure the antioxidant power of your favorite superfoods? That’s where ORAC—Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity—comes in. Developed by researchers at the NIH, ORAC measures how effectively a food can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Montmorency tart cherries, especially in concentrated forms, score remarkably high on the ORAC scale—making them a favorite for joint health, muscle recovery, and natural sleep support.

In this guide from Traverse Bay Farms, a nationally award-winning wellness brand, you’ll learn what ORAC is, why antioxidants matter, and how our cherry products deliver one of the highest natural ORAC scores available. For a deeper look into cherry benefits, check out our Official Tart Cherry Health Report, explains the natural health benefits of tart cherry juice benefits and more.

Key Facts at a Glance

• ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity

• Tart cherries have among the highest ORAC scores of any fruit

• ORAC values quantify antioxidant power against oxidative stress

• Traverse Bay Farms cherry products are made using USA-grown cherries only

• Our 7:1 juice concentrate, cherry capsules and powder are made from tart cherries for peak antioxidant potency

What Does ORAC Mean?

ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a scientific method for measuring how well a substance neutralizes free radicals—the unstable molecules that cause cell damage, aging, and inflammation. The higher the ORAC score, the greater the antioxidant power.

Think of ORAC as your food’s defense score against cellular “rust.”

Why ORAC Scores Matter for Health

Free radicals are triggered by:

• Stress

• Pollution

• Poor diet

• Intense workouts

• Normal aging

Over time, unchecked oxidative stress can:

• Accelerate joint wear and tear

• Weaken the immune system

• Disrupt sleep cycles

• Increase inflammation

High-ORAC foods help protect the body and support:

• Joint health

• Cardiovascular wellness

• Brain function

• Muscle recovery

• Better sleep

ORAC Score of Cherries

Montmorency tart cherries are among the top ORAC-scoring fruits available. Here’s how they compare:

Factors such as growing region, processing, and preservation method can slightly affect these numbers, but tart cherries remain antioxidant leaders across the board.

Why Traverse Bay Farms Cherries Stand Out

We use as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible in all of our products—never imported. Combined with precision processing, our cherry products deliver some of the highest ORAC values available:

• Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate:
  68 Brix, 7:1 cherry-to-water ratio — the industry standard for potency

• Organic Tart Cherry Powder:
  FruiTraction® freeze-dried technology maximizes antioxidant retention

• Tart Cherry Capsules:
  100% fruit powder, no fillers — convenient and antioxidant-dense

We bottle in glass only to preserve quality and support our “Deplasticize Your Home” movement.

Research on Tart Cherry ORAC Power

• A study in the Journal of Nutrition showed tart cherry intake reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy adults

• Dr. Russell Reiter (University of Texas Health Science Center) has praised tart cherries for their unique synergy of melatonin and antioxidants in supporting sleep and recovery

How to Use High-ORAC Cherry Products Daily

Cherry Juice Concentrate

• Take 1 oz (2 tablespoons) daily

• Mix with 7 oz water or green tea

• Use at night for sleep or post-workout for recovery

Tart Cherry Powder

• Add 1 heaping teaspoon to smoothies or yogurt

• Combine with lemon or ginger for enhanced absorption

• Ideal for morning or evening routines

Tart Cherry Capsules

• Take 1–2 daily with water

• Convenient for travel, gym, or desk drawer wellness

FAQs 

Q: What does ORAC stand for?
A: ORAC means Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity—a measure of antioxidant strength.

Q: Are cherries high in antioxidants?
A: Yes, especially Montmorency tart cherries. They rank among the highest ORAC fruits.

Q: What cherry product has the most ORAC value?
A: Cherry powder and juice concentrate offer the highest antioxidant density per serving.

Q: Are Traverse Bay Farms products high-ORAC?
A: Yes. Our juice, capsules, and powder are optimized for maximum antioxidant potency.

People Also Ask

What makes tart cherry juice so powerful?
Here’s what makes tart cherry juice unique: its high anthocyanin content and ORAC score.

How do antioxidants in cherries help joints?
They reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting mobility and joint comfort.

Why do athletes drink tart cherry juice?
Tart cherry juice supports muscle recovery, reduces soreness, and improves sleep.

How does ORAC compare between fresh and concentrated cherries?
Concentrates and powders have far higher ORAC scores due to lower water content.

Summary: Why ORAC Is Your Antioxidant 

ORAC is the gold standard for measuring antioxidant power—and tart cherries are leaders in this space. With daily use, Traverse Bay Farms cherry products can help defend your cells, joints, and sleep cycles from the inside out.

Ready to feel the difference?
Explore Traverse Bay Farms’ line of high-ORAC cherry products, including juice concentrate, powder, and capsules—trusted nationwide for natural recovery and antioxidant support.

From athletes looking for faster recovery to wellness-minded families wanting to reduce inflammation and boost long-term health, understanding ORAC is essential. This antioxidant metric helps you make smarter, science-backed dietary choices.

At Traverse Bay Farms, we believe in providing award-winning products rooted in nature and proven by science. Whether you're sipping our juice, blending powder, or popping a capsule—you're fueling your body with some of the highest ORAC nutrition on Earth.

Want to see how high-ORAC cherries fit into your lifestyle?
Download our free Cherry Antioxidant Guide or try a sample today.

Resource Section

[1] USDA Cherry Nutrient Profile: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
[2] NIH ORAC Measurement Overview: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2841576/
[3] Dr. Russell Reiter Melatonin Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ (search: tart cherry melatonin)
[4] The ORAC in Cherry JuiceTra