What Cherries Do Restaurants Use? Unveiling the Secrets Behind the Perfect Garnish

Cherries, those delightful little gems, add a touch of elegance and flavor to countless restaurant dishes and cocktails. But have you ever wondered what kind of cherries restaurants actually use? It’s not as simple as picking up a jar of maraschinos from the grocery store, though those certainly have their place. The world of restaurant cherries is surprisingly nuanced, encompassing various types, preparations, and purposes. Let’s delve into the juicy details and uncover the secrets behind the cherries that grace your plates and drinks.

The Maraschino Cherry: A Restaurant Staple

The maraschino cherry is perhaps the most recognizable restaurant cherry. Its bright red color and intensely sweet flavor make it a classic garnish for sundaes, cocktails, and even savory dishes in some unexpected culinary creations. However, the maraschino cherry you see in restaurants is likely quite different from the fresh cherries you might buy during the summer.

The Processing of Maraschino Cherries

The process of creating a maraschino cherry is a fascinating transformation. Fresh cherries, often Royal Ann cherries (a variety of sweet cherry), are first brined in a calcium chloride and sulfur dioxide solution. This process bleaches the cherries, removing their natural color and flavor. Think of it as preparing a blank canvas for the cherry’s transformation.

After bleaching, the cherries are soaked in a high-fructose corn syrup solution, intensely sweetening and flavoring them. Red food coloring is added to achieve the signature bright red hue. Different brands and producers may use variations in the flavoring, with some adding almond extract or other artificial flavorings.

The result is a shelf-stable, intensely sweet, and vibrantly colored cherry that’s perfect for adding a pop of visual appeal and a sugary kick to various dishes and drinks. While not the most complex in terms of flavor, the maraschino cherry delivers a consistent and recognizable experience.

Uses in Restaurants and Bars

Maraschino cherries are incredibly versatile in restaurants and bars. They’re a classic addition to ice cream sundaes, providing a sweet and chewy contrast to the cold, creamy dessert. They also find their way into cocktails, like the classic Manhattan or Shirley Temple, adding a touch of sweetness and a vibrant garnish.

Beyond desserts and cocktails, you might find maraschino cherries in unexpected places, like atop pineapple upside-down cake or as a garnish for certain appetizers. Their bright color and sweetness can add a playful touch to otherwise savory dishes.

Glace Cherries: Candied Delights

Glace cherries, also known as candied cherries, are another common type of cherry found in restaurants, especially during the holiday season. These cherries are preserved in sugar syrup, resulting in a dense, chewy texture and an intensely sweet flavor.

The Glazing Process

The process of creating glace cherries involves repeatedly soaking fresh cherries in increasingly concentrated sugar syrup. This process gradually replaces the water content of the cherry with sugar, preserving it and giving it its signature texture and sweetness. Food coloring is often added during the glazing process to create the vibrant red and green glace cherries commonly used in baking.

Culinary Applications

Glace cherries are frequently used in baking, adding a festive touch to fruitcakes, cookies, and other holiday treats. They can also be used as a garnish for desserts or as an ingredient in fillings and toppings. Restaurants often use glace cherries in seasonal desserts or special menu items.

Brandied Cherries: A Touch of Sophistication

For a more sophisticated cherry experience, some restaurants turn to brandied cherries. These cherries are preserved in brandy or other spirits, resulting in a rich, complex flavor that elevates cocktails and desserts.

The Infusion Process

The process of making brandied cherries involves soaking fresh cherries in brandy, sugar, and spices. The cherries absorb the flavors of the brandy and spices, creating a delicious and aromatic treat. Some recipes call for aging the cherries for several weeks or even months to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Usage in Cocktails and Desserts

Brandied cherries are a luxurious addition to cocktails, adding a touch of elegance and complexity. They’re often used in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where their rich flavor complements the other ingredients. They can also be used as a garnish for desserts, such as chocolate cake or ice cream, or served alongside cheese and crackers. Upscale restaurants and bars often feature brandied cherries as a premium garnish option.

Amarena Cherries: A Taste of Italy

Amarena cherries, hailing from Italy, are a dark, rich, and slightly tart variety of cherry preserved in a syrup made from their own juices and sugar. They offer a more complex and nuanced flavor profile compared to the intensely sweet maraschino cherries.

Characteristics of Amarena Cherries

Amarena cherries are known for their deep, dark red color and intense, slightly bitter-sweet flavor. The syrup they are preserved in is also rich and flavorful, making them a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. They offer a depth of flavor that is a significant step up from standard maraschino cherries.

Culinary Applications in Restaurants

Restaurants use Amarena cherries in a variety of ways. They are a popular addition to desserts such as ice cream sundaes, cheesecakes, and panna cotta. Their complex flavor pairs well with chocolate, vanilla, and other rich flavors. They are also sometimes used in cocktails, adding a touch of sophistication and a unique flavor profile. Some restaurants even incorporate them into savory dishes, such as sauces for duck or pork, where their tartness can balance the richness of the meat. High-end establishments often favor Amarena cherries for their distinct flavor and presentation.

Fresh Cherries: Seasonal Delights

While processed cherries are common year-round, some restaurants take advantage of fresh cherries when they are in season. Fresh cherries offer a burst of natural flavor and vibrant color that can’t be replicated by preserved varieties.

Varieties Used

Restaurants often use sweet cherry varieties like Bing, Rainier, and Lambert when fresh cherries are in season. These varieties are known for their juicy, sweet flavor and firm texture. Tart cherry varieties, like Montmorency, may also be used in baking and cooking, offering a tangy counterpoint to sweet dishes.

Incorporating Fresh Cherries into Menus

During cherry season, restaurants may feature fresh cherry pies, tarts, and other desserts. Fresh cherries can also be used in salads, sauces, and even grilled dishes. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make them a welcome addition to any dish. The seasonality of fresh cherries adds a special touch to menus.

The Importance of Quality and Sourcing

Regardless of the type of cherry used, restaurants prioritize quality and sourcing. High-quality cherries, whether fresh or preserved, offer better flavor, texture, and appearance.

Factors Affecting Cherry Quality

Several factors can affect cherry quality, including the variety of cherry, the growing conditions, and the processing methods. Restaurants often work with reputable suppliers who can guarantee the quality and consistency of their cherries.

Sustainable Sourcing

More and more restaurants are also focusing on sustainable sourcing practices. This means choosing cherries from growers who use environmentally friendly farming methods and treat their workers fairly. Sustainable sourcing not only ensures the quality of the cherries but also supports ethical and responsible business practices.

Beyond the Cherry: The Syrup and Juices

Often overlooked, but equally important, are the syrups and juices associated with preserved cherries. These liquids can be used to add cherry flavor to cocktails, desserts, and even savory dishes.

Using Cherry Syrup in Cocktails

Maraschino cherry syrup is a common ingredient in cocktails, adding sweetness and a distinctive cherry flavor. It’s a key component of drinks like the Cherry Lime Rickey and can be used to add a touch of sweetness to other cocktails.

Incorporating Cherry Juice into Sauces

Cherry juice, whether from fresh or preserved cherries, can be used to create flavorful sauces for meat dishes. Its tartness can balance the richness of the meat, creating a delicious and complex flavor profile. Some chefs use cherry juice reductions as glazes for roasted poultry or pork.

Cost Considerations

The type of cherry a restaurant uses is often influenced by cost. Maraschino cherries are generally the most affordable option, while brandied and Amarena cherries are more expensive. Fresh cherries, when in season, can be competitively priced, but their availability is limited.

Balancing Cost and Quality

Restaurants must balance cost considerations with the desire to offer high-quality ingredients. While cheaper options like maraschino cherries may be suitable for some applications, higher-end establishments may opt for more expensive cherries to elevate their dishes and drinks.

Menu Pricing Strategies

The cost of cherries is factored into menu pricing. Restaurants may charge more for dishes and drinks that feature premium cherries like brandied or Amarena cherries. Careful menu engineering ensures profitability while providing customers with a range of options to suit different budgets.

What types of cherries are most commonly used as garnishes in restaurants?

Maraschino cherries are by far the most prevalent garnish cherry in the restaurant industry. These cherries are typically light-colored sweet cherries, such as Royal Anne, that have been brined, bleached, and then soaked in a sugar syrup with red food coloring. The process results in a bright red, sweet, and shelf-stable product that’s easily recognizable and relatively inexpensive, making them an economical and visually appealing choice for cocktails, desserts, and other dishes.

Another type of cherry sometimes found as a garnish is the Luxardo cherry. These are significantly more premium and sophisticated than maraschino cherries. Luxardo cherries are typically made from Marasca cherries grown in Italy, and they are preserved in their own juice, resulting in a darker, richer, and more complex flavor profile that appeals to discerning palates. They often grace higher-end cocktails and desserts in establishments focusing on quality ingredients.

Why do restaurants choose maraschino cherries so frequently despite other options?

The primary reason for the widespread use of maraschino cherries boils down to cost and convenience. They are mass-produced and readily available, making them a cost-effective option for restaurants serving a large volume of customers. Their long shelf life also minimizes waste, a critical factor in restaurant profitability. Furthermore, their bright red color and uniformly sweet flavor are familiar and generally appealing to a broad customer base.

Beyond cost and availability, maraschino cherries provide a consistent garnish. Their standardized processing means that restaurants can reliably use them without worrying about variations in color, size, or flavor, ensuring consistency across all dishes and drinks. This reliability, coupled with their affordability, makes them an appealing choice for restaurants aiming to provide a predictable dining experience at a reasonable price point.

Are there health concerns associated with the types of cherries used for garnishes?

Maraschino cherries, due to their processing methods, are often high in sugar and artificial food coloring. The bleaching process also removes some of the natural nutrients found in fresh cherries. Individuals with sensitivities to artificial dyes or those monitoring their sugar intake may want to be mindful of consuming them frequently. It’s always a good idea to be aware of the ingredients in the foods you consume, especially if you have specific dietary needs or concerns.

Luxardo cherries, while still containing sugar, tend to be a slightly healthier option compared to maraschino cherries. Because they are preserved in their own juice and use natural coloring, they avoid the artificial dyes found in some other varieties. However, moderation is still key, as they are still preserved with sugar. Always consider the overall dietary context and your personal health requirements when enjoying these garnishes.

How does the type of cherry used impact the overall taste of a cocktail or dessert?

The type of cherry garnish significantly influences the final flavor profile of the cocktail or dessert. A maraschino cherry, with its intense sweetness and slightly artificial flavor, adds a sugary burst that can complement or overpower other ingredients depending on the recipe. Its straightforward sweetness is best suited for simpler cocktails or desserts where a bright, sweet accent is desired.

In contrast, a Luxardo cherry introduces a more nuanced and complex flavor. Its slightly bitter, almond-like notes and richer cherry flavor integrate more seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding depth and sophistication. This type of cherry enhances the overall experience, making it a suitable choice for more refined cocktails and desserts where a subtle, balanced flavor is paramount.

Do some restaurants make their own cherry garnishes?

While less common than using commercially produced cherries, some restaurants, particularly those focusing on artisanal ingredients and farm-to-table concepts, may opt to make their own cherry garnishes. This allows them complete control over the ingredients and process, resulting in a unique and often superior flavor. Homemade garnishes are a great way to customize the taste and appearance of the cherry to perfectly complement the specific dishes or cocktails being offered.

The process typically involves sourcing fresh, high-quality cherries and preserving them in a custom-made syrup with spices and other flavorings. Although more labor-intensive and requiring greater expertise, homemade cherry garnishes can significantly elevate the dining experience, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and originality. This is a great way to stand out from the competition.

How can you tell the difference between a high-quality cherry garnish and a lower-quality one?

Visually, a high-quality cherry garnish, like a Luxardo, will typically have a darker, more natural color, ranging from deep red to almost black. It will also appear more plump and less shriveled compared to a lower-quality maraschino cherry. A lower-quality cherry garnish often has a bright, almost neon-red color due to artificial dyes and might appear smaller or have a slightly translucent look.

The taste is the most definitive indicator. A high-quality cherry will offer a complex flavor profile, with a balance of sweetness, tartness, and often almond or subtle spice notes. A lower-quality cherry garnish will primarily taste of sugary sweetness, lacking any depth or complexity. The texture can also differ, with higher-quality cherries typically being firmer and juicier than their less expensive counterparts.

Are there any alternatives to traditional cherries used for garnishes in restaurants?

Yes, there are many interesting and flavorful alternatives to the standard cherry garnishes often used. Some restaurants opt for fresh, seasonal cherries when available, providing a burst of natural flavor and vibrant color. Other options include preserved or candied ginger, citrus twists, or even small pieces of fresh fruit like berries or melon.

Restaurants looking to offer unique garnishes may also experiment with savory options, such as pickled vegetables, olives, or even edible flowers. The key is to consider how the garnish complements the flavor profile of the dish or drink and adds visual appeal. Thoughtful and creative garnish choices can enhance the overall dining experience and distinguish a restaurant from its competitors.