There are several effective methods to pit cherries, with or without a cherry pitter. Here are some common and practical ways to do it:
- The Chopstick Method: Remove the stem, hold the cherry, and push a chopstick through the stem hole to force the pit out. You can place the cherry on a small bottle's mouth to catch the pit easily.
- The Surgical Method: Remove the stem, make a small incision with a paring knife along the cherry, pull the sides apart gently, and remove the pit with your fingers.
- The Tearing Method: For very ripe cherries where appearance doesn't matter, simply rip the cherry in half by hand and remove the pit.
- The Peach Pit Method: Use a paring knife to cut around the pit, twist the halves in opposite directions to separate, and remove the pit for nice halves.
- The Paper Clip Method: Unfold a paper clip into an "S" shape, insert it into the stem hole, twist it around the pit, and pull the pit out.
- Using a Straw: A sturdy metal straw can push the pit out through the stem hole by twisting, which is less harsh than pushing straight through.
- Cherry Pitter Tool: The fastest and cleanest method using a dedicated cherry pitter tool that presses the pit out without damaging much of the fruit.
Some methods prioritize keeping the cherry whole and neat, while others are faster but may bruise the cherry or make it less visually appealing. The best method depends on the intended use of the cherries (e.g., baking, fresh eating, blending) and the tools available.
