Maraschino cherries are true culinary gems that have conquered the hearts of baking lovers around the world. These fruits, immersed in a sweet liquor called maraschino, add a touch of unique elegance and flavor to all types of desserts, from cakes, tarts or ice cream, to chocolates and even cocktails.
In this post we are going to see how professionals use maraschino cherries in international pastries and why it is crucial to choose the highest quality cherries to achieve the best results.
How are maraschino cherries made?
Maraschino cherries are a delicious type of cherry that is preserved in syrup and maraschino liqueur. The production process begins with the maceration of the cherries in this clear, dry liquor obtained by the distillation of the cherry variety maraschino.
Thanks to this liquor, made from the peels of this type of cherry and other ingredients, a sweet and slightly almondy flavor and a unique cherry texture are achieved. The combination of the natural sweetness of cherries with the alcoholic touch of maraschino creates a versatile ingredient that elevates any baking recipe to maximum excellence.
Use of maraschino cherries in international pastries
In international baking, maraschino cherries are one of the most used ingredients for creating irresistible cakes and tarts. Whether adorning the surface of a dark chocolate cake or integrated into the filling of a cheesecake, these cherries add an explosion of color and flavor that allows bakers to create new creations to surprise their customers.
Its juicy texture, its powerful flavor and its intense red color increase the quality of desserts and generates a unique experience that delights the most demanding palates. Let’s see some of the uses that professionals around the world make of this delicious delicacy.
Cakes and tarts
Maraschino cherries are widely used to decorate cakes and pies. In the United States it is common to see maraschino cherries on the surface of cheesecakes or chocolate cakes as a decoration. In Italy and Spain, maraschino cherries are used to make delicious cherry pies, as they combine perfectly with chocolate and almonds.
Ice creams
They are also commonly used in ice cream. In France, maraschino cherry ice cream is a classic. This ice cream combines maraschino cherries with cream and sugar to create a refreshing and delicious dessert. Without a doubt, one of the favorites of the French.
Cupcakes
In the United States, maraschino cherry cupcakes are among the most consumed. The cherries are integrated into the dough and decorate the top, adding a fresh and juicy touch to each bite. Combined with cream cheese frosting, they create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make these cupcakes irresistible.
Tiramisu
In Italy, tiramisu is one of the classic desserts that has been updated with maraschino cherries. Submerged in the liquor before being added to the layers of coffee and mascarpone cream, these cherries add a fruity and intoxicating note to the dessert. This modern version of tiramisu is a tribute to innovation in Italian baking.
Cherry pudding
Pudding is a sweet or savory preparation very typical of Anglo-Saxon cuisine that is made with sponge cake, milk and egg, in which cherries are a very important ingredient. It can be served as a dessert or non-sweet dish and the maraschino give it a unique touch that is highly appreciated by the consumer.
Cherry pudding is also very popular in Germany, where it is known as Kirschenmichel. Another widely consumed variant in South American countries is maraschino cherry pudding in combination with other fruits, such as kiwi, banana or red fruits (blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.).
The importance of quality ingredients for maraschino cherries
When it comes to maraschino cherries, quality is one of the aspects that professionals look for, as they guarantee a delicious flavor and perfect texture for their creations. Without a doubt this can make the difference with the competitors in any Horeca establishment.
At Lazaya, we have been offering quality preserved fruits with a wide variety of cherries (candied cherries, maraschino cherries, liqueur cherries and amarena cherries) for more than 80 years. We have our own cherry plantation, which allows us to raise the quality of our products. Furthermore, the entire production process is controlled by us from the harvesting of the cherries to their final packaging, without intermediaries.
All these factors are undoubtedly important when it comes to a professional trusting our brand. Apart from the quality of the product, another aspect that chefs and pastry chefs highly value is the variety of formats and the different packaging available, according to their needs.
In the case of maraschino cherries, we have different sizes: from 16/18 to 24/26, brix from 40 to 55, whole cherries, pitted, with or without stem, etc. Available containers are plastic, glass and tin. Furthermore, our maraschino cherries in international pastries are suitable for allergy sufferers and celiacs. Contact us if you have any questions or queries, we will be happy to help you.