Candied cherries have been a part of culinary history for centuries. These beautiful little treats are known to be used in various desserts and baked goods, adding a pop of vibrant color and sweet flavor. But have you ever wondered what exactly is a candied cherry?
A candied cherry is essentially a maraschino cherry that has been preserved through a process of soaking it in heavy syrup made with sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring. The cherries absorb the sugary liquid which transforms their texture from soft to firm while maintaining their original shape.
Candying fruits such as cherries has been done for hundreds of years in many cultures around the world where they would take advantage of peak season fruit harvests by preserving them this way to enjoy throughout the year or simply using them as decoration on desserts. In this article we will go into more detail about how these delightful treats are made, ways they can be used in your culinary creations, plus explore some unique historical facts associated with candied cherries – so keep reading!
A candied cherry is a preserved cherry that has been cooked in sugar syrup and dried, resulting in a sweet and brightly colored fruit. They are often used as an ingredient in desserts such as cakes, pastries, cookies, ice cream sundaes and fruit salads. Candying fruits dates back to the Middle Ages when it was primarily done for preservation purposes. The process involves blanching the cherries before cooking them with sugar syrup and drying them out on wire racks for several days. Candied cherries are most commonly made using granulated sugar and liquid glucose syrup. Using candied cherries adds color, sweetness, and subtle cherry flavor notes to baked goods without affecting their structure or texture.
What is a Candied Cherry?
Candied cherries, also known as crystallized cherries or glacé cherries, are a type of preserved cherry that has been cooked in sugar syrup and then dried. This process results in a sweet and brightly colored cherry with a chewy texture. These delicious little treats are often used as an ingredient in various desserts such as cakes, pastries, cookies, ice cream sundaes and fruit salads.
History of Candied Cherries
The origins of candying fruits can be traced back to the 14th century during the Middle Ages when sugar became more widely available to Europeans. At that time, candying was primarily done for preservation purposes rather than culinary enjoyment.
It wasn't until the 19th century when fruits such as citrus peels and cherries were being candied for use in confectionery products like fruitcakes. In fact, it's hard to imagine Christmas without those red glazed pieces tucked inside rich dark spiced cake!
How Are Candied Cherries Made?
The process of making candied cherries involves three main steps: blanching (boiling), cooking them with sugar syrup and finally drying them out:
- Blanching: The first step usually involves removing any stems from fresh ripe cherries before boiling them briefly for about one minute.
- Cooking: After blanching successfully removes most anthocyanin pigments from whole or chopped fresh tart or sour Montmorency type cherry varieties needed for maximum color retention; transfer these into heavy saucepan containing water-sugar mixture (syrup). Then heat this mixture over medium temperature while stirring constantly until about two-thirds absorbed by fruit.
- Drying out: The last step involves laying them on wire racks placed over baking sheets so they can dry completely- this usually takes several days depending on humidity levels where you live.
Types of Candies Used For Candying Cherries
There are two types of sugars that can be used to make candied cherries: granulated sugar and liquid glucose syrup. Most recipes require the use of both, with the glucose syrup adding a sticky texture to the surface of the cherry.
Uses for Candied Cherries
Candied cherries are most commonly used as an ingredient in baked goods such as fruitcakes, muffins, breads, cookies and pies. They are also great for topping ice cream sundaes or fruit salads.
Candied cherries can also be eaten on their own as a sweet snack or given as gifts during holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day.
Benefits of Using Candied Cherries in Baking
Using candied cherries in baking adds a burst of color and sweetness to your treats without affecting their structure. The high sugar content helps keep baked goods moist while providing bright red pops throughout them.
Additionally, they add subtle cherry flavor notes that pair well with many other ingredients like chocolate or almond extract.
Conclusion
In conclusion, is there anything quite so festive looking than those little red gems twinkling away atop your favorite holiday desserts? Whether you're using them sparingly just for aesthetic purposes or incorporating these chewy delights into your favorite recipe; learning how to candy fresh fruits is one kitchen skill well worth mastering!
FAQs
What are candied cherries?
Candied cherries are the result of a process in which fresh or dried cherries are cooked in sugar syrup. This process involves immersing the fruit into a hot mixture of water and sugar, and sometimes adding other ingredients such as corn syrup, citric acid, or food coloring. The fruit is then simmered until it becomes tender and infused with the flavors of the sweet syrup.
The end product is a glossy, plump cherry that has been transformed into a deliciously sweet treat that can be used for many purposes. Candied cherries can be eaten on their own as candy or added to recipes for baked goods like cakes, muffins or cookies.
Are candied cherries healthy?
Candying fruits means they contain more calories than fresh fruits due to added sugars. However occasional consumption of these treats should not harm your health if you maintain an overall balanced diet.
It's important to note that some brands use artificial colors rather than natural ones so always check labels before purchasing them if you have any allergies.
How long do candied cherries last?
When stored properly in an air-tight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight , candied fruits generally have shelf life up to 6 months without deteriorating freshness although checking expiration dates while buying will save you time and prevent waste.
Where can I buy candied cherries?
You could find them at stores specializing in baking supplies such as Michael's craft store (US) ,Walmart(US), Tesco(UK), Asda (UK) although availability varies depending on location . You could also purchase them online from retailers like Amazon who offer home delivery options making it easier especially during peak seasons when demand may rise unexpectedly.
Can I make my own Candies Cherrie?
Yes ,you certainly can make your own homemade version using either fresh or dried ones however compared to other fruits like apples or pears, cherries require a bit of extra attention because they are quite delicate . It's important to use the right amount of sugar syrup and cooking temperature for perfect candies. You could also choose natural food colorings rather than artificial ones.
The process involves simmering them in a syrup made by boiling equal parts water and sugar until it reaches desired thickness depending on personal preference. Once the cherries have been candied, they can be stored in an air-tight container for up to six months without losing their freshness when stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
