[Roy]

I have just picked about 25 pounds of sweet cherries and I would like to know if you can freeze them and also how to bottle them.  Many thanks in anticipation.  Roy

[Yorkie]

I'm not sure about freezing, probably would be fine for jam or puree or crumble etc but probably not if you want them to retain their crispness etc etc.  I'd suggest stoning them first, though not sure why 

Bottling etc - see links here
http://www.allotment-garden.org/allotment_foods/bottling-canning/index.php

[andreadon]

you want to make cherry liqueur.
that's the nicest way.

fill your jar up with pipped and sliced cherries and pour in brandy for about 1/4 of the way up.  then fill it with sugar.
seal the jar with the lid and tip it over a few times.
then fill it up again with more sugar till it's tightly packed.
then tip it over one way then the next for 2 weeks. or till all of the sugar has disappeared.

[catllar]

I always stone my cherries before freezing them into pie or clafouti portions. Have done 14kgs this year! (Do I get a prize) just because I HATE biting down onto stones AND I've got some v. expensive bridge-work pearlies.They (the cherries, not the teeth) go well on icecream when defrosted (without any cooking) or you can then turn them into jam (my plan) The boozy cherry option is great too and they can be pickled to go with cold-cuts.

[wighty]

The cherry season is so short that they just need to be EATEN. If my staff go to my gas yard and don't bring me back a punnet from our local grower they would be sacked immediately.  I am at the moment eating about a kilo a day. My staff know how to keep me sweet. 

[catllar]

Did you know that the stalks can be used to make a tea which is very diuretic - good for puffy ankles and legs. The stones can be used into a small pillow which when heated is good on aches and pains (lightly stuffed,  not rock solid!)