Are brandied cherries the same as maraschino cherries? This is a question that often confuses people, and the answer may surprise you. The term “brandied cherry” typically refers to a cherry that has been preserved in maraschino liqueur, also known as cherry brandy. However, the reality is that there are very few actual brandied cherries available on the market.
To understand why this is the case, it's important to delve into the history and production process of maraschino cherries. Maraschino cherries originated in Croatia, where marasca cherries were soaked in maraschino liqueur, a cherry brandy made from the distillation of marasca cherries. The resulting cherries were then used as a garnish for cocktails and desserts.
However, over time, the term “maraschino cherry” has become synonymous with the bright red, artificially flavored and colored cherries that are commercially available today. These cherries are typically made from lighter-colored cherries, such as Royal Ann or Rainier cherries, which are bleached and then soaked in a brine solution containing calcium chloride to firm up the texture. They are then pitted, flavored with almond extract, and soaked in a syrup made from corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. they are dyed with artificial coloring to achieve their vibrant red color.
Interestingly, even the companies that produce maraschino liqueur do not use maraschino cherries in their production process. Instead, they use light-colored cherries similar to those used in the commercial maraschino cherry production. The cherries used in maraschino liqueur are typically macerated in a neutral spirit, such as grain alcohol, along with sugar and other flavorings. This mixture is then distilled to create the cherry brandy.
So, in summary, while the term “brandied cherry” may suggest a cherry preserved in maraschino liqueur, the reality is that true brandied cherries are quite rare. Most commercially available “maraschino cherries” are artificially flavored and colored cherries that bear little resemblance to the original maraschino cherries made from marasca cherries and maraschino liqueur.
If you're looking to enjoy the true flavors of brandied cherries or maraschino cherries, I would recommend seeking out artisanal producers or making your own at home. You can macerate cherries in a quality cherry brandy or other liqueur of your choice, and then sweeten to taste with simple syrup or honey. This way, you can control the quality of the ingredients and tailor the flavor to your preference.
While brandied cherries and maraschino cherries share some similarities in terms of being cherries preserved in liqueur, the commercial maraschino cherries available today are a far cry from their original counterparts. True brandied cherries are hard to come by, but with a little effort, you can create your own delicious version at home.