Maraschino cherries Calories

Maraschino cherries are usually pitted cherries packed in sweet syrup, often with added coloring and flavoring. Some mass-produced versions are brined before being rinsed, colored, and sweetened.

Usually not. Most supermarket maraschino cherries are preserved in sweet syrup rather than maraschino liqueur. The name comes from a traditional preparation associated with marasca cherries and liqueur, not from the usual modern product.

Their vivid red color usually comes from added food coloring. Processing can fade a cherry’s natural color, so manufacturers may color the fruit to give it the familiar appearance; some varieties are instead dyed other colors.

Maraschino cherries are often bright, sweet, and mild, while Luxardo cherries are dark, richer, and packed in a distinctive syrup. Luxardo is a specific premium style and brand, rather than a name for every maraschino cherry.

The name refers to marasca cherries and maraschino liqueur, which were used in traditional preparations. Many modern maraschino cherries are made differently, with sweet syrup and coloring, and do not contain the liqueur.

Yes, the stems on maraschino cherries are edible, though most people leave them on as a garnish and eat the fruit. Remove the stem if you prefer, especially when adding the cherries to a dessert or recipe.

Yes, the syrup from maraschino cherries can sweeten and color cocktails, soda, or lemonade. Add a small splash at a time, since it is sweet and can quickly change the flavor of a drink.

Keep opened maraschino cherries covered in their syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Use a clean utensil to remove them, and follow the storage directions on the jar for that specific product.

Use an amarena cherry, a fresh cherry, or a sour cherry instead of a maraschino cherry, depending on the drink. These alternatives have different sweetness and flavor, so adjust any added syrup to suit the recipe.