Looking for a delicious way to preserve sour cherries? Check out this step-by-step guide on how to do it!
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Why preserve sour cherries?
Sour cherries are one of the first fruits of summer, and they are only around for a short time. If you want to enjoy them year-round, preserving them is the best way to do it.
There are many reasons to preserve sour cherries. Sour cherries are tart and acidic, and they make a great addition to pie fillings, jams, and compotes. They can also be used in savory dishes, like cherry salsa or cherry BBQ sauce.
Preserving sour cherries is also a great way to extend their shelf life Sour cherries are delicate and can spoil quickly if they are not properly stored. By preserving them, you can extend their shelf life by several months or even years.
There are many different ways to preserve sour cherries. You can freeze them, dehydrate them, or make them into jam or jelly. You can also preserved sour cherries in alcohol, like vodka or brandy.
No matter how you decide to preserve your sour cherries, be sure to enjoy them while they are in season!
What supplies do you need?
You will need the following supplies:
-1 cup of sugar for every 1 cup of sour cherry juice
-A pot big enough to fit all of your ingredients
–canning jars with lids and rings
-A canning funnel
-A magnetic wand to help with lifting the lids out of the boiling water (this is optional, but helpful)
How to pick the right sour cherries
If you want to make the most of your sour cherry picking efforts, you need to know how to select the right fruit. Fortunately, selecting ripe and flavorful sour cherries is easy if you know what to look for.
Here are a few tips for choosing the best sour cherries:
-The skin should be bright red and smooth, without any blemishes or bruises.
-The cherries should be firm to the touch but not hard.
-When ripe, sour cherries will have a slightly softer feel than their sweet cherry counterparts.
-You should be able to easily pull the stem away from the fruit. If it is difficult to remove, the cherry is not yet ripe.
-Sour cherries should be picked when they are fully ripe for the best flavor. However, if you plan on storing them for later use, you can pick them just before they reach full ripeness.
The preserving process
There are many ways to preserve sour cherries, but the most common are freezing, canning, and dehydrating.
Freezing is the easiest method – simply wash the cherries, remove the stems and pits, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the cherries are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the cherries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen sour cherries will keep for up to 6 months.
Canning is a great option if you have a lot of sour cherries to preserve. The process is a bit more involved than freezing, but it results in a longer shelf life – up to 1 year. Start by washing and pitted the cherries. Then, prepare a boiling water canner according to manufacturer’s instructions. Fill jars with cherries, leaving ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Add sugar syrup (1 part sugar to 1 part water) to each jar, if desired. Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean, damp cloth. Place lids on jars and screw on rings until finger-tight. Process jars in the boiling water canner for 25 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary). Remove jars from canner and allow to cool on a towel or rack overnight. Check seals before storing – jars with broken seals should be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks.
Dehydrating is another option for preserving sour cherries. This method results in dried fruit that can be rehydrated later or used as-is in recipes. Wash and pit the cherries, then slice them in half or leave them whole. Place them on a dehydrator tray lined with parchment paper and dehydrate at 135 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 hours (depending on how dry you want them). Store dried sour cherries in an airtight container – they will keep for up to 6 months
Why water bath canning is the best method
Sour cherries are a delicious and versatile fruit, but they can be difficult to find in stores. If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon some, it’s worth your while to preserve them for later. The best way to do this is by water bath canning.
Water bath canning is a method of food preservation that involves submerging jars of food in boiling water. The boiling water kills any bacteria that could cause the food to spoil, and the jars are sealed to prevent new bacteria from getting in.
This method is ideal for sour cherries because it preserves their tart flavor and bright color. It’s also fairly simple to do, especially if you have a canning kit.
Here’s a basic overview of how to water bath can your sour cherries:
1. Start by sterilizing your jars and lids. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
2. Next, prepare your cherries by removing the stems and washing them thoroughly.
3. Pack the cherries into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
4. Add a simple syrup or sugar (optional) and then use a spatula to release any air bubbles that might be trapped in the jar.
5. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and then screw on the lids tightly.
6. Lower the jars into a large pot or canning kettle filled with boiling water. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch.
7. Boil the jars for 10 minutes and then remove them from the pot with a jar lifter or tongs.
8. Let the jars cool until you hear them popping, which indicates that they are sealed properly
How to water bath can
Using a water bath canning method will safely preserve your sour cherries for later enjoyment. Fill a large pot with water and set it to boil. Meanwhile, prepare your jars by washing them in warm, soapy water. You will also need to wash the lids and rings in warm, soapy water. Place the jars upside down on a clean towel to air dry
When the water is boiling, lower the heat but keep it at a simmer. Submerge the empty jars in the water for at least 10 minutes to sterilize them. Remove the jars from the pot of water using canning tongs and set them upside down on the clean towel.
Fill each jar with cherries, leaving ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Use a chopstick or other non-metallic object to release any air bubbles that may be trapped inside the jar. Wipe the rims of each jar with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
Place a lid on each jar, screwing on only until finger-tight. Do not over tighten as this could cause breakage when processing in boiling water. Using canning tongs, lower each jar into the pot of boiling water, making sure that each is completely submerged. Boil for 10 minutes
Tips for perfect preserved sour cherries
Sour cherries are only in season for a short time, so preserve them while you can! These tips will help you make perfect preserved sour cherries.
-Choose ripe, but not overripe, sour cherries. Ripe cherries will be a deep red color and slightly soft to the touch.
-Remove the stems and leaves from the cherries.
-Wash the cherries and let them drain well.
-Pack the clean, dry cherries into clean jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
-Cover the cherries with a sugar syrup made with equal parts sugar and water. For every cup of sour cherries, you will need 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.
-Close the jars with new lids and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
-Let the jars cool completely and then store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
How to store your preserved sour cherries
Sour cherries are a delicious and relatively rare fruit. If you’re lucky enough to have a tree or bush bearing these sour little jewels, you’ll want to know how to store your preserved sour cherries so you can enjoy them all year long.
There are a few different ways to preserve sour cherries, but the most common is to simply pit them and then freeze them. This is the easiest method, and it ensures that the fruit will retain its flavor and integrity.
To pit and freeze sour cherries, first wash them thoroughly and then remove the pits with a cherry pitter or by carefully cutting around them with a sharp knife Once the cherries are pitted, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transferred the cherries to a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to label the container with the date so you know how long they’ve been stored. Sour cherries will keep in the freezer for up to one year.
If you want to get a little more creative with your preserved sour cherries, you can also make cordial, syrup, or liqueur. These recipes typically require sugar and/or alcohol, which act as preservatives and help extend the shelf life of the finished product. Homemade cordial or syrup will last for several months when stored in a cool, dark place; liqueur can last for up to one year when stored in a cool, dark place.
Recipes with preserved sour cherries
If you’re lucky enough to have a sour cherry tree, or if you know someone who does, then you know how fleeting the season is for these delicious little fruits. One of the best ways to enjoy them is to preserve them so that you can enjoy them all year round. Here are some recipes that feature preserved sour cherries.
-Sour Cherry Pie: This classic recipe is made even better with fresh, preserved sour cherries.
-Sour Cherry Coffee Cake: This delicious coffee cake is full of fresh, Preserved Sour Cherries.
-Sour Cherry Compote: This compote can be served on its own or used as a topping for ice cream, pound cake, or yogurt.
FAQ’s about preserving sour cherries
Q: Why should I bother to preserve sour cherries?
A: There are several reasons! Sour cherries are tart and tangy, making them perfect for adding flavor to all sorts of dishes, from pies and tarts to jams and chutneys. They are also relatively rare and can be quite expensive to buy fresh, so preserving them is a great way to enjoy their flavor all year round.
Q: What is the best way to preserve sour cherries?
A: There are a few different methods that work well for preserving sour cherries. You can freeze them, dried them, or make them into jam or chutney.
Q: Can I use any type of cherry for preserving?
A: Sour cherries are the best type of cherry for preserving because they have a higher acidity level, which helps them to keep their color and flavor when preserved. Sweet cherries can be used as well, but they will not have the same tartness once preserved.
Q: How long do preserved sour cherries last?
A: If stored properly, frozen sour cherries will last for up to a year, while dried sour cherries will last for several months. Jam and chutney will also last for several months when stored in a cool, dark place.
