Fruit, Garnish, Confectionery | Vegetarian Gluten Free

Few Maraschino Cherry

Prunus cerasus (sweet cherry) Allergen-Free
Few Maraschino Cherry

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Rosaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Western
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sweet cherries (e.g., Royal Ann), Sugar, Food dyes, Almond flavor

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

Sweetened and preserved cherries, typically dyed bright red and often flavored with almond extract, used as a garnish.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Sugary, Almond (artificial), Fruity (faint)
TextureSoft, Chewy, Slightly Syrupy
AromaSweet, Almond, Artificial Fruit
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 5 cherries (20g)
Calories260 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.5 g
Total Carbohydrate65 g
Dietary Fiber1 g
Total Sugars60 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium50 mg

Chef’s Secret

Rinse maraschino cherries lightly before using to remove excess syrup and prevent bleeding color into lighter batters or frostings.

Substitutions

Best Match

Fresh Cherries

1:1

Natural taste, less sweet, but lacks the specific maraschino flavor/color.

Candied Cherries (Glace Cherries)

1:1

Similar sweetness and texture, often less vibrant color, common in baking.

Raspberry (fresh or frozen)

1:1

Adds a similar tart-sweet fruitiness and color for garnishes.

Dried Cranberries (rehydrated)

1:1

Chewy texture and tart-sweet flavor, good for baking applications.

Buying Guide

Look for firm cherries with bright, consistent color. Check for high fructose corn syrup if avoiding.

Flavor Pairings

Ice Cream Cocktails Cakes Brownies Fruit Salads Whipped Cream Chocolate.

Recipes Using Few Maraschino Cherry

Almond Jelly Chunks With Sweet Tangy Longan image 123
Course Served Cold Beginner Cook Refrigerator

Almond Jelly Chunks With Sweet Tangy Longan

This recipe for Almond Jelly Chunks with Sweet & Tangy Longan is a game-changer! I perfected this recipe after many failed attempts, and it's now a family favorite – even my mom, who dislikes almond jelly, loves it! The secret? A zesty lemon twist that elevates the creamy almond jelly and perfectly complements the sweet longan. This refreshing dessert is easy to make and perfect for a hot day. Can't find longan? Lychees work wonderfully too! (Chill time not included in prep time)

See Complete Recipe