Sour cherries in syrup (for pastries)

Sour Cherries in Syrup - A Delight for Any Dessert

Imagine a summer day, with the sun shining and the aroma of fresh fruits wafting through the air. The dream of preserving the taste of these moments for winter becomes a reality with this delicious recipe for sour cherries in syrup. Perfect for adding a touch of flavor to your favorite cakes or even transforming simple drinks into true delights! This is a straightforward yet flavorful recipe that combines tradition with the joy of savoring preserved fruits.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Waiting Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 10 jars of 400g

Ingredients:
- 10 kg fresh sour cherries
- 5 kg sugar

A Bit of History

Fruit preservation is an ancient practice used by generations to ensure a reserve of vitamins and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Sour cherries, with their distinctive and slightly tart flavor, have always been appreciated not only for their taste but also for the nutritional benefits they provide. These fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, sour cherries in syrup are not just a culinary delight but also a healthy choice.

Making Sour Cherries in Syrup

1. Washing and Preparing the Cherries
Start by thoroughly washing the sour cherries under cold running water. It's important to remove any impurities or pesticides. After washing, use a pin to remove the pits, being careful not to damage the fruit to maintain its texture and flavor.

2. Sweetening the Cherries
Place the cherries in a large bowl, preferably glass or ceramic, to prevent chemical reactions with metal. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the cherries and gently mix with a wooden or silicone spatula, ensuring the sugar is well distributed. The mixing should be gentle to avoid crushing the fruit.

3. Letting It Rest
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the cherries sit at room temperature for 24 hours. During this time, the sugar will dissolve, releasing the natural juice of the cherries, resulting in a delicious syrup.

4. Bottling
After 24 hours, you’ll notice how much juice the cherries have released. Place clean, dry jars on a stable surface. Use a spoon to transfer the cherries into the jars, making sure to include the syrup formed. Fill the jars to within 1-2 cm of the rim to allow for air expansion.

5. Storing
Seal the jars with airtight lids and store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. These sour cherries in syrup will preserve perfectly for the cold season, ready to sweeten your winters.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing the Cherries: Opt for ripe yet firm cherries. Avoid fruits with blemishes or that are too soft, as these can spoil the syrup's flavor.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your sweetness preferences. Additionally, you can replace white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor and richer color.
- Usage: The syrup can be used to enhance drinks like homemade plum brandy or sparkling water. Add it to ice creams or as a topping for pancakes and cakes.
- Flavor Variation: For a more sophisticated taste, you can add a few sprigs of mint or a vanilla pod to the bowl with the cherries before letting them macerate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but the result will be different. Fresh cherries have a better texture, but frozen cherries can be used if they are well thawed and drained.

2. How long can the cherries in syrup be stored?
If stored properly, the preserved cherries can last up to a year. Check the jars periodically to ensure there are no signs of fermentation.

3. What can I do with the cherries in syrup?
They are excellent as a filling for cakes, tarts, or even as an ingredient in cocktails. You can try adding them to various desserts, such as ice cream or mousse.

Complementary Recipes:

- Cherry Tart with Vanilla Cream: Use the preserved cherries as a filling for a delicious tart, combined with a smooth vanilla cream.
- Cherry Pancakes: Serve pancakes with sour cherries in syrup and a dollop of sour cream for an unforgettable breakfast.
- Cherry Cocktail: Add a burst of flavor to your cocktails with cherry syrup by mixing it with gin or prosecco.

Conclusion

Sour cherries in syrup are a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer and add a touch of sweetness to your favorite desserts. Not only is this recipe simple and easy to make, but it also offers an opportunity to connect with culinary traditions. Enjoy preparing and savoring these delicious sour cherries in syrup!