The Problem
The “Red Splatter” Zone September is the last call for fresh cherries, but pitting them for pies or preserves is a nightmare. Using a knife is dangerous and slow, and it often results in juice splattering all over your clothes and walls. Most “hack” methods involve a lot of hand-staining and uneven results.
The Tip
The Bottle and Straw Method If you don’t have a dedicated pitter, grab an empty glass bottle (like a beer or soda bottle) and a sturdy reusable straw. Place a cherry on top of the bottle neck with the stem removed. Use the straw to push down through the center of the cherry. The pit will fall neatly into the bottle, and the juice will stay contained, leaving you with a perfectly intact, pit-free cherry.
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The Science
Concentrated Force and Guidance By using the bottle neck as a “die” (a mold for shaping/cutting), you provide 360-degree support to the fruit’s skin. The straw acts as a piston. Because the force is concentrated in a small circle, it “punches” the pit out without crushing the delicate cell walls of the rest of the fruit, preserving the shape for your recipes.
The Tool
Multi-Cherry Pitter Tool
If you have a whole bushel to do, the bottle method is slow. The OXO Good Grips Pro Cherry & Olive Pitter features a splash guard to keep your shirt clean and a sturdy zinc construction that makes quick work of a large batch. [Check Price on Amazon – OXO Cherry Pitter]
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