If you’re a fan of fresh cherries, you know that removing the pits can be tedious. A cherry pitter is the perfect solution to save time and effort while keeping your cherries intact. Whether you’re preparing a cherry pie, jam, or just snacking, this handy tool ensures quick and easy pitting. Additionally, many cherry pitters can also double as olive pitters, making them versatile additions to your kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the different types of cherry pitters, how to use them efficiently, and the top products available. We’ll also explore best practices for storing cherries after pitting, ensuring your cherries stay fresh for longer. For more cherry-related recipes, check out this collection of delicious shredded chicken recipes, where pitted cherries can add a sweet twist to savory dishes.
What is a Cherry Pitter?
It is a kitchen tool designed to quickly and efficiently remove pits from cherries. This simple device allows you to enjoy fresh cherries without the hassle of manually removing each pit, which is essential when you’re making cherry-based desserts, salads, or drinks. Using a pitter is far more efficient and less messy than alternative methods like using chopsticks or paperclips.
Removing pits is not just about convenience—it’s also about safety. Cherry pits contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when consumed in large quantities. While swallowing a pit accidentally usually isn’t dangerous, it’s always safer to remove them. A cherry pitter ensures every pit is safely extracted, making your cooking or snacking experience more enjoyable. If you’re preparing cherries for storage or long-term use, you might also want to check out our guide on how to store cherries properly.
Types of Cherry Pitters
Choosing the right cherry pitter depends on how often you use cherries and how many you typically need to pit. Let’s take a look at the two main types: handheld and tabletop cherry pitters.
Handheld Cherry Pitters
Handheld cherry pitters are compact, easy to use, and ideal for small quantities. These pitters typically work by placing the cherry in a small cup and squeezing the handles to push the pit out. They are perfect for casual users who need a quick solution for snacking or small-scale cooking.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to store.
- Affordable and simple to use.
- Great for small quantities.
Cons:
- Can cause hand fatigue during extended use.
- Pits one cherry at a time.
The OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter is a popular handheld model, known for its ergonomic design and ease of use. This tool also features a built-in splatter guard to reduce mess, which is great for anyone who hates cleaning up juice splatters.
Tabletop Cherry Pitters
If you frequently bake or preserve cherries, a tabletop cherry pitter is the better option. These larger devices allow you to pit multiple cherries at once, making them ideal for larger batches. Tabletop models usually have a lever mechanism, which reduces hand fatigue and speeds up the process significantly.
Pros:
- Pits multiple cherries simultaneously.
- Reduces hand fatigue.
- Ideal for large quantities.
Cons:
- Bulkier and requires more storage space.
- More expensive than handheld models.
For anyone who needs to pit a large number of cherries for pies, jams, or other recipes, the Leifheit Cherry Pitter with Container is an excellent choice. This tabletop model can pit several cherries at once, while the attached container catches the pits, keeping your workspace clean.
If you enjoy making recipes like homemade jam or preserves, consider checking out our instant pot shredded chicken recipes for more meal prep ideas.
How to Use a Cherry Pitter Effectively
Once you’ve selected the best cherry pitter for your needs, using it properly will ensure a mess-free and quick pitting experience. Follow these steps for optimal results:
Step-by-Step Guide to Pitting Cherries
- Prepare the Cherries: Start by washing your cherries thoroughly and removing the stems. Clean cherries make the pitting process smoother.
- Position the Cherry: Place the cherry in the pitter with the stem side facing the plunger. For tabletop models, load multiple cherries into the slots.
- Pit the Cherry: Squeeze the handles of a handheld pitter or press down the lever on a tabletop pitter to remove the pit.
- Check the Cherry: Once the pit is removed, check that the cherry is fully pitted. If you plan to use the cherries whole in a recipe, ensure no pits remain.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Most cherry pitters are dishwasher safe, but it’s always a good idea to clean them immediately after use to prevent juice from drying and becoming sticky. Handwashing with warm, soapy water is also a good option, especially for tabletop models with more parts.
If you’re planning to store cherries after pitting them, here are some expert tips on how to store cherries to keep them fresh for longer.
Top Cherry Pitter Products
When choosing the best cherry pitter, it’s essential to select a product that fits your needs. Here are some of the top-rated models that balance convenience, durability, and efficiency.
1. OXO Good Grips Cherry & Olive Pitter
This handheld pitter is great for casual users who want a versatile tool. The OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter has an ergonomic design, a splatter guard to minimize mess, and works equally well on small olives.
Pros:
- Ergonomic grip.
- Mess-free design.
- Compact and easy to store.
Cons:
- Only pits one cherry at a time.
2. Leifheit Cherry Pitter with Container
This tabletop cherry pitter is ideal for bakers and those who process large batches of cherries. The Leifheit Cherry Pitter can pit up to six cherries at a time, and its built-in container collects the pits and juice.
Pros:
- Pits multiple cherries simultaneously.
- Mess-free operation.
- Easy to clean and store.
Cons:
- Bulky design requires more storage space.
3. Cuisipro Cherry Pitter
This affordable handheld pitter is a good choice for small-scale use. It’s dishwasher safe and easy to use, making it perfect for occasional use.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to use.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Great for occasional use.
Cons:
- Pits one cherry at a time.
How to Choose the Right Cherry Pitter
When deciding which cherry pitter is right for you, consider factors such as how many cherries you plan to pit and how often you’ll use the tool.
Quantity of Cherries
If you only need to pit a few cherries occasionally, a handheld pitter is sufficient. However, if you frequently bake with cherries or make jams, opt for a tabletop model that can pit multiple cherries at once.
Versatility
Many cherry pitters also work well with olives, but not all models are compatible with larger olives. If you want a tool that can do double duty, check that it accommodates both cherries and small olives.
Ease of Cleaning and Storage
Look for cherry pitters that are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Handheld pitters are easier to store, while tabletop models may require more space in your kitchen.
For more tips on choosing the right kitchen tools, check out our guide on how to make box mix cookies better.
FAQs About Cherry Pitters
1. How do you pit cherries without a cherry pitter?
While a cherry pitter is the easiest tool, you can use a chopstick, straw, or paperclip to manually push the pit out. However, these methods are slower and messier.
2. Is a cherry pitter worth it?
Yes! If you use cherries frequently, a cherry pitter will save you time and ensure you can enjoy pitted cherries quickly and easily.
3. Can you use a cherry pitter for olives?
Yes, many cherry pitters work well for pitting small olives, such as Kalamata olives. Just ensure the model you choose can accommodate olives.
4. How do you clean a cherry pitter?
Most cherry pitters are dishwasher safe. You can also clean them by hand with warm, soapy water, making sure to remove any stuck cherry juice or pulp.
5. Which cherry pitter is best for large batches?
If you need to pit a large quantity of cherries, a tabletop cherry pitter is the best option. It allows you to pit multiple cherries simultaneously, reducing preparation time significantly.
Conclusion
A cherry pitter is an essential tool for anyone who regularly enjoys or cooks with cherries. Whether you choose a handheld model for small quantities or a tabletop model for large batches, using the right cherry pitter will save you time and effort. Additionally, the versatility of pitters that work on both cherries and olives makes them a valuable addition to any kitchen.
For more tips and recipes, explore our post on easy cake mix cookies and tips to create quick and delicious desserts that pair perfectly with fresh cherries.