Uses of maraschino cherries with and without stem

Maraschino cherries have become a practically essential ingredient in the world of baking, cocktails and haute cuisine. These small, colorful fruits not only add a sweet and attractive touch to professional creations, but also offer great sophistication and versatility in establishments in the Horeca sector.

In this post, we are going to see the most common uses of maraschino cherries with and without stem and the importance of choosing suppliers with a long history in the market that prove their quality.

What are maraschino cherries?

Before delving into their uses, it is important to understand that maraschino cherries are a very different type of cherries than the usual ones, since they undergo a specific conservation process. In this process, the original color and flavor of the cherries is removed with brine or a preservative solution and then they are sweetened with syrup and dyed a very bright red.

This process is responsible for giving the maraschino cherry its characteristic flavor and color, becoming an option increasingly used by professionals to give life to all types of dishes, desserts and drinks.

Difference Between Maraschino Cherries With and Without Stem

Professionals usually choose maraschino cherries with and without stems depending on the dish or dessert they are making. That is why we are going to see the main differences between them:

Maraschino cherries with stem

Professionals use stemmed maraschino cherries primarily for aesthetic reasons. The stem adds a particular elegance that is especially attractive in the presentation of cocktails, desserts and gourmet dishes. Additionally, the stem allows diners to grab the cherry without the need for utensils; making it a very practical option in certain environments.

Uses for stemmed maraschino cherries

1. Cocktails
   One of the most common uses of stemmed maraschino cherries is as a decorative accompaniment in classic cocktails such as Manhattan, the Old Fashioned or the Tequila Sunrise. These and other drinks benefit greatly from the presence of a stemmed cherry. The stem not only makes the cherry easy to handle, but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the cocktail presentation. Additionally, customers often appreciate being able to taste the cherry after finishing the drink.
2. Gourmet desserts
   Maraschino cherries with stems are also highly valued in baking and in the presentation of desserts. They serve as decorations on cakes, pastries and ice cream cups, since their bright color and stem create a very interesting visual contrast. For example, a cherry with a stem on top of a banana split or a fruit tart is not only much more aesthetically appealing, but it adds a very interesting interactive element for the diner.
3. Savory haute cuisine dishes
   In some more creative contexts, stemmed maraschino cherries are used to garnish savory dishes. They are widely used in roast meats with sweet and sour sauces, where chefs often garnish the dish with a stemmed maraschino cherry to add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, raising the quality of the presentation without compromising the flavors.

Stemless Maraschino Cherries

Stemless maraschino cherries are usually used more in recipes that require the complete integration of the cherry in the preparation, such as in cakes or ice cream. Since they do not have a stem, they are easier to incorporate and mix with other ingredients without altering the texture or presentation of the dish.

Uses of maraschino cherries without stems

1. Pastry and bakery
   Stemmed maraschino cherries are a key ingredient in many baking recipes. As they are easier to incorporate into the dough or filling, they are often used widely in cakes, muffins, cookies and cakes. A classic example is the use of this type of cherries in Black Forest Cake, where they are mixed with cream and chocolate to create an irresistible contrast of flavors that are their hallmark.In addition, since they do not have a stem, these cherries are ideal for being chopped and added to fillings, glazes or doughs. Its sweetness and juicy texture provide an extra dimension to the creations; In addition, their vibrant color makes them very attractive.
2. Ice cream parlor
   Stemless maraschino cherries are widely used to accompany ice cream and sorbets. Not only do they serve as a garnish on top, but they can also be mixed into the ice cream batter to add a touch of sweetness to every bite. Its soft texture and characteristic flavor perfectly complement the cold and creamy ice creams, especially chocolate and vanilla ice creams.
3. Sweet Bread Preparations
   Professional bakers use stemmed maraschino cherries in making sweet breads and buns. The Panettone, the Roscón de Reyes or the German Stollen are some examples of baked goods that include maraschino cherry pieces. These cherries integrate perfectly into the dough due to their extraordinary sweetness and softness, adding color and a differential flavor to each slice.
4. Sauces and jams
   Stemmed maraschino cherries are also used to create sauces and jams that accompany various desserts, such as cakes, pancakes and waffles, among others. These sauces can be used both to give more flavor to a dish and to decorate it, providing a more visually attractive touch.

When to choose stemmed or stemless cherries?

The choice between maraschino cherries with or without stem will depend mainly on the type of preparation being made. If what the professional is looking for is an eye-catching and practical garnish for a cocktail or dessert, stemmed cherries are the best option. On the other hand, if what you need is to integrate the cherry completely into the preparation of the dessert or dish, stemless cherries undoubtedly offer easier work.

What is clear is that the maraschino cherries with and without stem, offer great versatility for professionals in the Horeca sector who know how to take advantage of their unique characteristics to create attractive and delicious dishes and drinks.

If you are looking for the highest quality maraschino cherries for your creations, do not hesitate to explore our online catalogue, where you will find stemmed and stemless options, adapted to the needs and demands of the best professionals. More than 80 years of experience support us. Contact us to personalize your order and surprise your customers.