How are colored cherries made and what are they used for?

In the competitive world of industrial pastry, hospitality, and signature cocktails, differentiation is the key to success. We all know the classic candied red cherry, an undisputed icon. However, there are different colored cherries (yellow and green cherries). These are ingredients widely used to make all kinds of gourmet products.

These ingredients not only add a vibrant touch of color to your creations, but they also retain all the flavor and nutritional properties of the original fruit. In this post, we’ll see how the process of making colored cherries is carried out, and the endless possibilities they can offer your business to surprise customers.

What are colored cherries?

We often receive inquiries about the origin of yellow and green cherries, and especially whether these fruits lose some of their properties during processing. The answer is very clear: colored cherries retain all their original properties intact.

Unlike traditional candied red cherries, these products allow professionals to create spectacular visual contrasts without sacrificing quality. Let’s look at the steps in making these very special cherries:

1. Step: Selection of raw materials

   It all begins with the selection of top-quality cherries. At Lazaya, we work exclusively with cherries from our own orchards, ensuring supreme quality, freshness, plumpness, and uniform size. This guarantees an exceptional final product.

2. Step: Natural bleaching

   Once the best cherries have been selected, the next step is to remove the natural red color through a gentle and controlled bleaching process. This treatment:

   • Use safe methods approved for food use.
   • Respect the cellular structure of the fruit.
   • It maintains its characteristic firm and juicy texture.
   • It preserves the natural vitamins and minerals of the cherry.

3. Step: Professional coloring.

   Once bleached, the cherries undergo a coloring process using top-quality food colorings. Yellow cherries are dyed a bright yellow hue reminiscent of lemon or gold, while green cherries are dyed a deep green for a fresh look. These colorings are certified for food use and do not alter the fruit’s natural flavor.

4. Step: Candying and stabilization

   The process culminates with a confit in syrup that enhances the natural sweetness, guarantees a long shelf life for the product, maintains all its juiciness and preserves intact the antioxidant properties of the original cherry.

5. Step: Nutritional value after processing

   It is important to note that, once the manufacturing process is complete, the yellow and green cherries retain all their nutritional properties intact:

   • Natural antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
   • Vitamin C present in the original fruit.
   • Natural fiber that promotes digestion.
   • Essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
   • Low calorie content compared to other baking ingredients.

Professional applications of colored cherries

These are some of the uses of yellow and green cherries by chefs, bakers, and pastry chefs:

Confectionery

Yellow and green cherries are widely used in signature tarts and cakes. They are also perfect for:

• Wedding cake decoration: Floral or geometric designs can be created by combining both colors.
• Themed cakes: Ideal for spring celebrations or corporate events with specific colors.
• Cheese cakes gourmet: They provide a perfect contrast against the white background.
• Black forest: They are used to create more modern versions of this cake with a much more attractive touch.

Bakery

In pastry making, colored cherries are used both for decoration and as fillings. Here are some of their uses:

• Cupcakes premium: Yellow and green cherries are used to top cupcakes and provide a bright and attractive finish.
• Petit fours: Cherries are the perfect size for high-end pastry creations.
• Filled macarons: Yellow or green cherries are also used as a filling full of color and flavor.
• Decorated éclairs: You can add a touch of sophistication with these cherries.

Cocktail bar

Green and yellow cherries enhance the presentation of numerous cocktails and spirits:

• Mojitos and caipirinhas: The green cherry reinforces the visual concept.
• Whisky sours: The yellow cherry brings golden elegance.
• Special Martinis: Both colors can be combined for a unique presentation.
• Daiquiris: They are the perfect complement to tropical versions.

Non-alcoholic beverages

• Mocktails premium: They are ideal for non-alcoholic cocktail menus.
• Gourmet lemonades: The yellow cherry is a perfect complement to these drinks.
• Decorated smoothies: Colored cherries add the final professional touch.

Artisanal ice cream shop

• Pistachio ice cream: The green cherry creates a perfect chromatic harmony.
• Vanilla or cream ice cream: The yellow cherries provide contrast.
• Cups and sundaes: Combine both colors for spectacular presentations.
• Ice cream cakes: Green and yellow cherries decorate these tarts, creating unique patterns.

Haute cuisine

Although less well known, colored cherries are also used in savory dishes:

• Foie gras: Green and yellow cherries accompany high-end products to offer a much-appreciated sweet and sour flavor.
• Gourmet salads: They go very well with goat cheese and nuts.
• Game dishes: The sweetness of the colored cherries balances the intense flavors.
• Side dishes for meats: They are widely used for pork and duck.

Professional tips for using colored cherries

Let’s look at some recommendations for getting the most out of green and yellow cherries:

Optimal storage

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 30 days.
• Drain well before using in doughs to avoid excessive moisture.
• Lightly pat dry with absorbent paper for decorations.

Application techniques

• For decoration: Whole cherries are used, with or without stems.
• For fillings: cherries in halves or quarters combined with creams.
• For infusions: Cherry syrup is used to flavor cakes.
• For cocktails: always drained and at the right temperature.

Advantages of choosing Lazaya yellow and green cherries

At Lazaya, our extensive catalogue of cherries in multiple formats continues to be a benchmark for professionals; these are some of the reasons why:

Supreme quality guaranteed

• We have our own cherry orchard.
• Careful selection of cherries.
• Uniform size for perfect presentations.
• Firm texture that doesn’t fall apart in dishes and desserts.
• Balanced flavor that doesn’t overpower other ingredients.

Professional versatility

• Long shelf life: allows you to have a stock of cherries without loss.
• Easy storage: they do not require refrigeration until opened.
• Professional formats: different formats to suit any requirement.
• Impeccable presentation: each cherry retains its shape and color.

Profitability

• High visual impact with small quantities.
• It allows you to differentiate yourself from the competition.
• It justifies a premium price for the products.
• Waste is reduced thanks to its conservation.

At Lazaya Preserved Fruit, for over eight decades, we’ve been supplying the finest preserved fruit to chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists. If you’re ready to take your creations to the next level with our colored cherries, we invite you to explore our catalogue and discover our full range of preserved cherries. Contact us if you need personalized advice. Shall we talk?