Cherries stored this way will last much longer than usual.
Although they are one of the most popular fruits, cherries are only available for a short time each year. But if they are stored properly, they can be enjoyed year-round. Come with me to discover the different ways to preserve these wonderful fruits.
Best-preserved cherries
There are types of fruit that are available year-round in different varieties, such as apples or bananas, for example. The same is not true for cherries, which are available for just over a month of the year, from May to June. However, these small red fruits have a truly unique taste, and it’s a shame that they can only be eaten for such a short time.
Cherries
What if I told you there are preservation techniques that will allow you to enjoy cherries all year round? Thinking about enjoying cherries in winter or fall seems unthinkable, yet today I’m going to reveal some simple tips that will allow you to do so. But first, let’s see how to make them last as long as possible after purchase, during the period when they are available.
Fresh cherries: how to store them?
How many times have we bought cherries only to have to throw away more than half of them the next day? Countless times. The secret to keeping cherries fresh for as long as possible is to be more careful about your purchase. If you plan to eat them immediately, you can also buy them when they are ripe. But if you plan to leave them in the fridge for a few days , it’s best to make sure they aren’t overripe when you buy them.
Keep the fruit fresh
Another precaution is essential once you get home. Remove all bruised fruit, thoroughly rinse the healthy ones, and dry them. Then store them in a paper bag, possibly with the stem still attached. These little tricks will allow you to keep your cherries fresh for up to 4-5 days. What if you wanted to enjoy cherries all year round? Let’s discover some preservation techniques that will allow you to do just that.
Conservation techniques
Whichever preservation technique you decide to use, you must first apply these small precautions. The cherries will be washed, dried, and rid of the stem . For most preservations, it is also necessary to pit them . Afterward, whether pitted or not, they must be soaked in water and lemon to prevent oxidation. So, let’s look at 5 different preservation techniques for cherries.
In the freezer: whole or pitted, the technique is the same. Take a tray and place the fruit inside, without overlapping them. Place them in the freezer for five hours, or at least until they are frozen. At this point, take the cherries and place them in a freezer bag, leaving them in the freezer until you decide to eat them. When you want to eat the fruit, simply place them in the refrigerator for about an hour and then at room temperature. From now on, they will be as if they were freshly picked;In the freezer
Cherry cubes : this is certainly the most creative and enjoyable preservation technique. We will always need the freezer and also an ice cube tray. In this case, the cherries should not be deprived of the stem. The procedure is simple: in each cube of the mold, place a fruit and then cover with water. Then place in the freezer until completely frozen. These pretty ice cubes can be used to decorate cold drinks and cocktails;Drink cubes
Syrup: Simply prepare a syrup with water and sugar. Place the cherries in a sterilized jar and cover with syrup. Seal everything and store in the pantry. If desired, a little alcohol can be added to the syrup, creating cherries in alcohol;Jam
Jam : This is probably the most widely used technique, mainly by our grandmothers. However, making cherry jam is very easy and quick. In a saucepan, combine the pitted cherries with sugar (equal to half the weight of the fruit). Cook until it reaches a reduced, creamy consistency. The still-hot jam is then placed in sterilized and tightly sealed jars. This way, we can enjoy this jam all year round.Dried cherries
Drying : Drying pitted cherries will keep them for 4-5 months. Cherries preserved in this way can be used rehydrated in various preparations, from desserts to herbal teas. For the more adventurous, they can also be used in savory dishes, risottos, meat dishes, and savory pies.