Maraschino Cherries
Sweet, vibrant maraschino cherries with a rich cherry flavor and a hint of almond, perfect for garnishing desserts or cocktails, suited for those who enjoy homemade treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak sour cherries overnight in a brine of 2 quarts water, 2 tablespoons salt, and 1 teaspoon alum.
- Drain cherries and rinse in cold water the next morning.
- Combine cherries with 3 cups water, sugar, red food coloring, and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, then let it set for 24 hours.
- Bring the mixture to a boil again and let it set for another 24 hours.
- Repeat the boiling process and let it set for a third 24 hours.
- On the third day, after the mixture has set, add 1 ounce of almond extract.
- Seal the cherries while hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use ripe, firm sour cherries. If you don't have alum, you can omit it, but it helps maintain the cherries' texture. Consider using less sugar if you prefer a tart taste, or try adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Ensure to stir the mixture well during the boiling process to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Maraschino cherries are perfect as a garnish for cocktails, sundaes, or fruit salads. They pair beautifully with ginger beef stew or can be used in baking for added sweetness. Consider serving them alongside Vegan recipes for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of maraschino cherries in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate the cherries and use them within a few weeks for optimal freshness. If you have leftover syrup, it can be refrigerated and used as a sweetener in drinks or desserts.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maraschino Cherries contains roughly 828 calories, with 17g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (219% of the Daily Value), iron (137% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1835mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure they are thawed and drained well before soaking. The texture may be slightly different, but they can still be delicious when prepared this way.
How long do maraschino cherries last?
When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, homemade maraschino cherries can last for up to a year. Once opened, keep them refrigerated and consume within a few weeks for the best flavor.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the cherries?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste. Additionally, using a mix of sweet and sour cherries can also help balance the sweetness to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).