Sour Cherries in a Jar

We start by washing the sour cherries very carefully. It is recommended to leave them in cold water for about an hour, as if the fruits contain worms, they will come out and remain on the surface of the water. After we finish washing, we remove the pits, being careful not to crush the cherries, so they remain whole and keep their shape. We place the cherries in a larger container, preferably glass or ceramic, and sprinkle them evenly with sugar. We mix gently, so as not to spoil the appearance of the fruits, until the sugar completely covers the cherries.

We let the mixture macerate until the next day, during which it is important to stir a few times. This process allows the sugar to gradually dissolve, releasing the natural juice of the cherries and forming a delicious syrup. Once the sugar has completely melted, we add a tablespoon of salicylic acid, a natural preservative that will help keep the cherries for a long time. We mix again carefully, ensuring that the salicylic acid completely dissolves in the formed syrup.

After we have obtained the desired mixture, it is time to start the preservation process. We put the cherries, along with the syrup, in clean and sterilized jars, filling them almost to the top, but without overloading them. On top, we add a bit of the resulting syrup, which will help maintain moisture. It is essential to close the jars tightly to prevent air from entering. We seal the jars or put on the lid, making sure they are well closed.

In parallel, the remaining syrup is poured into clean bottles, which will also be closed with caps. A trick I use is to hold the caps in hot water before closing them on jars or bottles, to ensure a perfect seal is formed. This method helps maintain the freshness and taste of the cherries for a long time. Once all the jars and bottles are closed, we place them in the pantry, in a cool and dark place, where they can be stored for a long time. Enjoy the preserved cherries in cakes, juices, or simply as they are, and savor the aroma of summer all year round!