Pitted sour cherries preserved for winter – a simple variation. 🍒
Sour cherries are one of the most popular fruits for preserving. Their intense flavor and beautiful color make them perfect for winter compotes, cakes, sauces, and teas. Here is a very simple and reliable method to preserve pitted sour cherries so you can enjoy their taste all year round.
Ingredients:
- 2 kg fresh sour cherries
- 400–500 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 liter of water
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for better preservation)
- A few cloves or a cinnamon stick (optional, for aroma)
Preparation Method:
- Prepare the cherries Wash the cherries thoroughly, remove the stems, and pit them. You can use a cherry pitter or a simple pin.
- Make the syrup In a large pot, dissolve the sugar in 1 liter of water. Add the lemon juice and bring to a boil. If you want a spiced version, add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves at this stage.
- Cook the cherries Add the pitted cherries to the boiling syrup. Cook for 5–7 minutes on low heat. The cherries should soften slightly but not fall apart.
- Jar them While still hot, pour the cherries and syrup into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 2 cm of space at the top. Close the jars tightly.
- Sterilization Place the closed jars in a large pot with water (water should reach ¾ of the jar height). Bring to a boil and sterilize for 15 minutes.
- Cooling Remove the jars carefully and let them cool upside down, covered with a blanket.
Storage and Serving
Properly sterilized jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. After opening, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within 1–2 weeks.
This preserved sour cherry compote is perfect for:
- Filling cakes and pancakes
- Making warm winter teas
- Preparing sauces for meat dishes
- Adding to yogurt or ice cream
Useful Tips
- Use ripe but firm cherries for the best texture.
- You can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet version (minimum 300 g for good preservation).
- Add a little rum or vanilla to the syrup for a more aromatic variation.
This simple recipe allows you to enjoy the wonderful taste of sour cherries even in the middle of winter. A real homemade treasure! 🍒
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