Why Make This Recipe
Cherry preserves are a delightful way to capture the flavor of fresh cherries all year round. They are sweet, tart, and incredibly versatile. Making your own cherry preserves allows you to control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and enjoy a taste that brings back memories of summer.
How to Make Cherry Preserves
Making cherry preserves is simple and rewarding. You will need a few ingredients, some fresh cherries, and a bit of patience as you let the mixture cook down. Follow along with the steps below to create a delicious jar of cherry goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pitted sweet cherries (roughly chopped; it’s okay if a few are left whole)
- 1 cup water (optional)
- 6 ounces granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- Pinch salt
Directions:
- Start by preparing the cherries. Rinse, pit, and roughly chop the cherries. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some cherries whole.
- In a large pot, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. If you like a thinner preserve, add 1 cup of water.
- Over medium heat, cook the mixture until it starts to bubble. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. To check if it’s done, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate and if it holds its shape after a minute, it’s ready.
- When it’s finished, carefully pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars, seal them, and allow them to cool completely.
How to Serve Cherry Preserves
Cherry preserves can be enjoyed in many ways. Spread them on toast, use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or mix them into yogurt for a delicious breakfast. They also go well with cheese boards or even as a filling for pastries or cakes.
How to Store Cherry Preserves
Once you’ve made your cherry preserves, they can be stored in a cool, dark place. If you have sealed jars, they can last for a year in the pantry. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.
Tips to Make Cherry Preserves
- Make sure to use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sugar according to your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the amount.
- To ensure your jars are properly sealed, process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- If you want a thicker consistency, cook for a little longer.
Variation
You can add a twist to your cherry preserves by incorporating other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. This mix adds a unique flavor and a burst of color to your preserves.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them.
2. How do I know if my preserves have set properly?
You can perform the cold plate test. If a spoonful of preserves holds its shape after a minute on a cold plate, it has set properly.
3. Can I reduce the sugar in cherry preserves?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet preserve. Just keep in mind that sugar helps with preservation and thickness, so the texture may vary slightly.
Cherry Preserves
Ingredients
For the Cherry Preserves
- 2 pounds pitted sweet cherries, roughly chopped It's okay if a few are left whole.
- 6 ounces granulated sugar This is approximately 3/4 cup.
- 1 cup water Optional for thinner preserves.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest From about 1 lemon.
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse, pit, and roughly chop the cherries. Leave some cherries whole for a chunkier texture.
- In a large pot, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. If you like a thinner preserve, add 1 cup of water.
Cooking
- Over medium heat, cook the mixture until it starts to bubble, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened to desired consistency.
- To check if it’s done, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate. If it holds its shape after a minute, it’s ready.
Storage
- Carefully pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars, seal them, and allow to cool completely.
