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Cherries are a delicious seasonal fruit that many professionals use during the warmer months of the year to create unique desserts and dishes in their establishments. However, it is important to know how to preserve cherries properly so that they maintain their freshness and flavor for longer.
In addition, in order to enjoy cherries throughout the year, it is important to know other cherry formats other than natural cherries, such as maraschino cherries or candied cherries, among others.
Cherry preservation methods
With the temperatures of May and June, cherries barely last 2 or 3 days, which is why it is important to store them in the refrigerator, in this way they can last up to two weeks. The only condition is that you do not have to wash them before putting them in the fridge because the conservation process can be altered. These are the main conservation methods to preserve the properties of cherries for as long as possible:
Refrigeration to preserve cherries
Refrigeration is one of the most effective methods of keeping cherries fresh. Before storing it is important to make sure you remove all damaged or spoiled cherries; then the cherries are placed in a perforated plastic bag or in a container with a lid in the fridge. This will help keep them cool and prevent them from drying out.
It should also be taken into account that cherries are sensitive to extreme cold, so it is advisable to keep them in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, where the temperature is less cold than in other compartments. Also, you should not put weight on top of the cherries and, when buying them, you should look for those that have a bright red color so that they last longer.
Freezing to preserve cherries
To enjoy cherries in the off-season all year long, freezing is a great option. Before freezing them, make sure to wash them well and bone them (the stems must be kept). The cherries are then spread out on a tray and placed in the freezer. Once they have been completely frozen, they are placed in a freezer bag or an airtight container and are ready to use when necessary. Once frozen they can last a year or even more.
How to preserve cherries correctly
These conservation recommendations are followed by most professionals who use natural cherries as the main ingredient or to decorate all kinds of desserts:
Storing Unwashed Cherries
When professionals plan to store cherries for a long period of time, the main recommendation is not to wash cherries before storing, as moisture can accelerate mold growth and reduce shelf life. They should only be washed just before consuming.
Avoid exposing cherries to direct sun
Cherries are very sensitive to heat and direct sunlight, so try to avoid this because it can accelerate ripening and deterioration. It is advisable to store cherries in a cool, dark place to preserve their properties and extend their shelf life as much as possible.
Use suitable containers
When storing cherries it is important to choose suitable containers that allow good air circulation. Certain airtight containers can trap moisture and accelerate cherry spoilage, so it’s important to choose your storage containers wisely.
Avoid mixing ripe and unripe cherries
Ripe cherries produce ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening process of immature cherries. To avoid this, it is recommended to separate the ripe cherries from the green ones when they are going to be stored for a certain period of time. In addition, if a cherry is too ripe or shows any sign of deterioration, it must be removed to avoid affecting the others.
How do professionals use cherries?
Professionals use the cherries throughout the year in different formats, for example, maraschino cherries, candied cherries, in syrup or in liqueur. All of them can be used throughout the year with all their properties intact. These are some of the elaborations that can be carried out with these types of cherries:
Cherry jam
Cherry jam is usually used in hotel and restaurant breakfasts or catering establishments. Customers often use it for toast, cookies or any other type of pastry product. It is a highly demanded product that cannot be missing in any Horeca establishment.
Cherry sauce
Each chef or pastry chef has their own recipe to make delicious sauces that they later use in sweet or savory dishes. They are widely used to accompany meat and fish, cheese, rice and pasta, also in salads. Different formats of cherry can be used, such as cherries in syrup.
Shakes and smoothies
Frozen maraschino cherries or any other type of cherries look great in shakes and smoothies, as they provide a much more intense sweet and refreshing flavor. They can be combined with fresh milk, vanilla extract, chocolate and exotic fruits, such as passion fruit, mango, pineapple or kiwi.
Preserved cherries in desserts
Candied or syrup cherries can be used in a wide variety of irresistible desserts, from tarts and tartlets, through cakes and cupcakes, to crumbles and ice cream, the options are endless. Professionals make the most of its juicy and sweet flavor to create exclusive desserts in their establishments and delight their customers.
Who do the professionals trust to pick their cherries?
Now we are in the middle of the cherry season and we can taste this delicious fruit in its maximum splendor. However, professionals have a stock of cherries of all kinds to be able to prepare their dishes and desserts at any time. That is why they trust brands with a long history in the market and excellent quality.
Lazaya preserved fruits has been producing cherries that are trusted by professionals for more than 80 years. We have our own cherry plantation and we are responsible for the production of all our products from the harvest of the fruit to the final packaging, without intermediaries.
In addition, we have a wide catalog of cherries in different formats and containers to adapt to the needs of the professional. You only have to contact us to customize your order and continue surprising your customers. We will be happy to help you.
