Cherry syrup

Homemade Cherry Syrup

The cherry season is a joy for all lovers of fresh fruits and delicious preparations. Cherry syrup, with its intense sweet-sour flavor, not only enriches the taste of desserts but can also be a special ingredient in refreshing drinks or various recipes. This simple and quick recipe will help you transform fresh cherries into a flavorful syrup, perfect for enjoying throughout the year. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 bottles of syrup

Ingredients:
- 2000 grams of fresh cherries
- 1000 grams of sugar
- 1000 ml of water
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step 1: Preparing the cherries

Start by selecting fresh, ripe cherries without any signs of spoilage. It is ideal to choose high-quality cherries, as the flavor of the syrup will depend on them. Wash the cherries in cold water, then remove the stems and pits. This process may seem a bit tedious, but I assure you it is worth it! The cherries will be the delicious base of your syrup.

Step 2: Boiling the cherries

In a large pot, add the cleaned cherries and 1000 ml of water. Place the pot over low heat, partially covering it with a lid. Let the cherries boil for about 60 minutes. During this time, use a skimmer to remove the foam that forms on the surface. This is an important step, as it guarantees you a clear and tasty syrup.

Step 3: Straining and mashing

After the cherries have boiled well, use a fine sieve to strain them. It is important to keep the juice formed, so make sure to press the pulp well with a spoon. The cherry pulp will be mashed, and the juice obtained will be the base of the syrup. Add this paste back into the pot.

Step 4: Boiling the syrup

Now it's time to add the sugar. Add 1000 grams of sugar to the pot with the cherry pulp and place it back on low heat. Boil the mixture for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. In the end, the syrup should have a thicker consistency. The longer you boil, the more concentrated the syrup will be.

Step 5: Adding flavors

After the syrup has reached the desired consistency, add a packet of vanilla sugar to give it a special aromatic note. Mix well to ensure that the vanilla sugar is evenly integrated.

Step 6: Bottling the syrup

Prepare the bottles for storage. It is essential that they are perfectly clean and dry. An effective method is to wash and dry them in a preheated oven at about 100 degrees Celsius. When the syrup is ready, carefully pour it into the prepared bottles, leaving a little space at the top.

Step 7: Cooling and storing

To seal properly, wrap the bottles in a blanket and let them cool at room temperature until the next day. This step helps the syrup stabilize and preserve better. Once cooled, store the bottles in your pantry, in a cool, dry place.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherry syrup is not only delicious but also beneficial for health. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals. They help strengthen the immune system and improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, cherry syrup can be a natural remedy for insomnia due to its melatonin content.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but it is recommended to thaw and drain them well before use.

2. How can I use cherry syrup?
Cherry syrup is perfect for adding to drinks, desserts, or even on yogurts and pancakes. You can use it to flavor cakes or creams.

3. How long does the syrup last?
If stored properly, cherry syrup can last up to 1 year in the pantry.

4. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences, but keep in mind that sugar helps preserve the syrup.

5. What other fruits can I use to make syrups?
You can try making syrups from blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries using the same method!

Serving suggestions:
I recommend serving cherry syrup with lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing drink on hot days. You can also add a spoonful of syrup to your favorite tea or use it to flavor vanilla ice cream.

Personal tricks:
To add a touch of originality, you can try adding a few fresh mint leaves during the boiling of the syrup, creating a cool and fresh aroma.

Possible variations:
For a more exotic version, you can combine cherries with lemon or orange, adding the juice and zest of these citrus fruits to your mixture. This will give a refreshing note to your syrup.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Homemade cherry syrup will bring a piece of your summer into every bottle, offering you an authentic taste full of memories. Enjoy every drop!