Is a Maraschino Cherry a Real Cherry?
When it comes to maraschino cherries, there seems to be some confusion about their authenticity. The question arises: Is a maraschino cherry a real cherry? The answer is both yes and no, depending on how you define a “real cherry.”
Originally, maraschino cherries were made using a specific type of cherry called Marasca cherries. These cherries are dark and sour in taste, quite different from the sweet cherries we commonly associate with maraschino cherries today. The Marasca cherries were brined in sea water and then preserved in maraschino liqueur, giving them their distinct flavor profile.
Over time, the process of making maraschino cherries has evolved, and the use of Marasca cherries has become less common. Nowadays, the bright red maraschino cherries we see are typically made from sweet cherries that have been artificially colored. These cherries are soaked in a sweet syrup solution and then treated with food coloring to achieve their vibrant red hue. While they may not be the original Marasca cherries, they are still cherries in the sense that they are derived from the fruit.
It is important to note that the modern maraschino cherries bear little resemblance to their original counterparts. The flavors have changed, with the sweet and artificially colored version being much milder and sweeter compared to the traditional tart and boozy Marasca cherries. The brining process in sea water and the use of maraschino liqueur are no longer common practices in commercial maraschino cherry production.
So, while maraschino cherries are technically cherries, they have undergone significant transformations in terms of taste, appearance, and production methods. The term “maraschino cherry” has become more associated with the artificially colored and sweetened version rather than the original Marasca cherries.
A maraschino cherry can be considered a real cherry in the sense that it is derived from the fruit. However, it is important to acknowledge the substantial differences between the traditional Marasca cherries and the modern artificially colored maraschino cherries we commonly encounter. The evolution of maraschino cherries has led to a divergence from their original form and flavor, resulting in a product that is quite distinct from the cherries it was initially inspired by.