Maraschino Cherries: What Does Maraschino Mean?

Maraschino cherries are widely used by professionals in the kitchen, both for sweet and savory dishes. However, although it is a highly recognized type of cherry in the gastronomic sector, not everyone really knows what the word maraschino means.

In this post we are going to explain where the term “maraschino” comes from and why maraschino cherries are increasingly appreciated in confectionery by professionals and clients in hotels, restaurants and catering establishments.

Where does the term “maraschino” come from?

The word “maraschino” refers to a clear liqueur that is made from a type of bitter cherries called marasca. These cherries originate from the Dalmatia region (Croatia) on the Adriatic coast. Maraschino liqueur is sweet and dry and with a bitter touch that is made by distilling the pulp, stones, stems and leaves of this type of cherries.

The manufacturing process includes maceration of the fruit in alcohol and subsequent distillation to obtain the liquor. After distillation, a small amount of sugar is added to reduce its bitterness, and it is then bottled. Both maraschino liqueur and maraschino cherries are often used in such famous cocktails as these:

• Hemingway Daiquiri.
• The Last Word.
• Aviation.
• Singapore Sling.
• The Martinez.

Cherries are used in cocktails to garnish, as their bright red color gives the liquor a very special appeal. On the other hand, the word “maraschino” can also refer to the marasca cherries themselves, as well as other products related to these fruits, such as syrups, liqueurs, and candies.

Maraschino Cherries in Pastry

Maraschino cherries are, along with candied cherries and cherries in syrup, an ingredient widely used in confectionery due to its sweet and intense flavor. Let’s see some ways to use maraschino cherries in confectionery products:

• To decorate

  Cherries are widely used to decorate cakes, cookies, tarts, tartlets, cupcakes, biscuits, and other types of desserts. For example, they can be placed on top of cakes, distributed on the edge of a pastry tray or on the pastries themselves, on top of cookies or tartlets… They are endless options and all of them add a touch of color and visual appeal to the final product.

• For filling

  Maraschino cherries can be used as a filling in cakes, pies, biscuits, fritters, and other types of desserts. A very tasty way to use these cherries is to mix them with pastry cream or cream cheeses to make a smooth and flavorful filling. You can also cook the maraschino cherries with sugar and starch to make a thick and delicious filling.

• To elaborate coatings

  Professionals also use cherries as a topping for cakes, tarts, and all kinds of desserts. They can be mixed with syrup or jelly to make a glossy coat or simply placed on top of the dessert for a pop of color.

• Canned

  Maraschino cherries can also be packed in syrup to be used when the cook or pastry chef needs them. These cherries can be used as an ingredient in desserts, as an accompaniment to other dishes, or simply eaten on their own as an appetizer.

• In bakery

  Cherries are also used in baking to add flavor and color. They can be mixed into batter to make rolls, muffins, cookies, and other baked goods.

Some examples of desserts with maraschino cherries

• Cherry pie: This dessert uses cherries as the main ingredient. They can be introduced in small pieces in the cake filling or also to decorate on the surface.
• Cherry cookies: Diced cherries are used in the cookie dough for extra flavor and color. They are also usually used whole to decorate the top of cookies.
• Cherry Cheesecake: Adding chopped cherries to a cheesecake filling certainly adds a delicious and distinctive flavor.
• Cherry Brownies: Adding chopped cherries to the brownie batter will result in a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also decorate the top of the brownie with whole cherries.
• Ice creams: Chopped maraschino cherries can be used with a wide variety of ingredients, such as vanilla, chocolate, cream, etc. Whole cherries can also be added as an additional ingredient in ice cream.

Top quality maraschino cherries

Professionals who use maraschino cherries in pastries, or in savory dishes, need a trusted brand that adapts to their needs and, above all, provides them with a product of the highest quality. In Lazaya preserved fruits, we have been manufacturing canned cherries for more than 80 years with a wide catalog of candied and syrup cherries that are the favorites of professionals in Horeca establishments.

We have a cherry plantation that guarantees superior quality, along with a production of the product without intermediaries and with the latest technology available. Our cherries have different sizes and brix, with or without stem and with different packaging options: tin, glass and plastic. Contact us and tell us what you need, we can customize your order so that there is never a lack of cherries in your establishment.