Cherries in syrup or fresh cherries: which one to choose?

Professionals in hotels, restaurants and catering establishments know the importance of choosing ingredients well for the success of any gastronomic creation. Cherries, with their unmistakable flavor and texture, are an ingredient widely used in Horeca establishments to prepare pastry products and all types of dishes, but there are many types of cherries: fresh cherries, cherries in syrup… and it is essential to choose the right one.

In this post we are going to see how to choose cherries in syrup or fresh cherries, depending on the type of production, and why it is so important to choose cherries of the highest quality and with a multitude of formats and containers to achieve the best results.

Cherries in syrup: sweetness and softness

Cherries in syrup are widely used in baking due to their intense sweetness and soft texture. These cherries are soaked in a syrup that preserves their flavor and freshness for a long time. The syrup preservation process enhances the natural flavor of cherries, intensifying their sweetness and adding a unique depth of flavor, which is why they are perfect for adding a sweet touch to cakes, tarts, ice cream or compotes. They are ideal for filling cakes and biscuits or serving as a garnish in savory dishes, thanks to their juiciness and soft texture.

On the other hand, cherries in syrup have a very soft and juicy texture that melts in the mouth, which makes them irresistible in a multitude of creations, such as creamy or spongy desserts, as they add a much appreciated touch of freshness and moisture.

Another of the main advantages of cherries in syrup is their availability throughout the year, which allows you to create delicious dishes when the cherry season has already ended. Furthermore, the packaging process ensures that the cherries in syrup maintain their quality and flavor for a long period of time.

Fresh cherries: naturalness and versatility

Fresh cherries offer a different flavor and texture that add a different touch to any dish. Available during the summer season, fresh cherries are prized for their juicy flavor and crunchy texture. Although their availability may be limited, they offer unparalleled versatility in the kitchen, allowing chefs and pastry chefs to experiment with a wide range of flavors and culinary techniques.

The flavor of fresh cherries is slightly tart and complements perfectly with a variety of ingredients, such as chocolate, cream or vanilla in desserts or some fresh vegetables in savory dishes. Its flavor and texture add a plus to different dishes, sauces, desserts, ice creams and even cocktails. They can also be eaten alone or in more elaborate dishes to add a touch of color and flavor.

Cherries in syrup or fresh cherries?

When choosing cherries in syrup or fresh cherries, both offer different sensory experiences on the palate and each has its own advantages. The choice between one or the other can undoubtedly significantly influence the final result of a dish or dessert. Let’s look at it in more detail:

• Cherries in syrup

  As we know, the process of making the syrup not only increases its durability, but also intensifies the sweet flavor of the cherry and gives it a softer and more uniform texture. Therefore, they are ideal for filling, since their soft texture and uniform flavor integrate better with the rest of the ingredients.

  They are also widely used in desserts where a consistent flavor and a texture that lasts over time is sought, such as cakes, biscuits, pastries, tartlets or to create complex sauces rich in nuances.

• Fresh cherries

  In the case of fresh cherries, the flavor can vary from sweet to slightly sour, depending on the variety and maturity. Its crunchy and juicy texture provides a differential touch in a multitude of dishes and sauces.

  In main dishes, fresh cherries provide a refreshing contrast, while in baking, they are often used to decorate or in creations that aim to highlight their freshness. Its vibrant appearance and particular texture always add a touch of color and elegance.

Top quality cherries

Both cherries in syrup and fresh cherries are ingredients used continuously by professionals in their daily work and the choice of one or the other will depend on the flavor and texture that they wish to highlight in their creation. However, what is non-negotiable for chefs and pastry chefs is choosing cherries of the highest quality, whether they are cherries in syrup or fresh cherries.

In this sense, Lazaya Preserved Fruit, with more than 80 years of experience in the market, is a reference brand in canned fruits for professionals and, especially, in the case of cherries, since we have our own plantation and we select the highest quality cherries for our products. In addition, we provide a large number of formats, such as with or without stem, with or without bone, as well as different brix, calibers, in halves or whole.

Our satisfaction is seeing how the professionals who have chosen us for decades continue to be interested in all our products and congratulate us on their quality and the extensive catalog we offer. Contact us if you have any questions or queries, we are at your disposal.