Pickled Cherries Recipe to Preserve the Flavor

If you’ve never tried pickled cherries before, you’re missing out. Not only is pickling a great way to preserve the summer fruit, it also adds a delicious tang.

Did you know that pickling as a food preservation method can be dated back as far as ancient Mesopotamia? The reason it has been around for so long has to do with the ease of preservation, the nutrition profile of pickled foods, as well as the unique flavor profile. 

Whether you have an overabundance of cherries this year, or simply want to try something new, pickling this fruit is a great preservation method. We’ll give you a recipe for pickled cherries that you can eat on their own, on salads or sandwiches, and even add to your baking. 

How to Make Pickled Cherries

Ingredients

• ¾ cup homemade apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup water 
• ¾ cup organic sugar 
• Whole spices of your choice: star anise, black peppercorn, cinnamon, bay leaves, cloves, ginger, or chilli flakes
• 1 lb fresh cherries, washed, stemmed, and pitted 

Instructions

1. First, sterilize the jars you wish you use for pickling. 
2. To make the brine, add vinegar, water, and sugar to a small saucepan, and heat on low heat. Stir the sugar until combined, then bring the liquid to a simmer, and remove from heat. 
3. Add some of your chosen whole spices to the bottom of each jar, then pack the cherries into the jar – carefully so you don’t break the skin. 
4. Pour the hot brine over the cherries to completely cover them, and allow them to soften and shrink. 
5. Add more cherries into the jar until it’s full. 
6. Pop any air bubbles using a clean knife, wipe the rim of your jar with a clean cloth, and seal tightly.
7. Allow your jars of pickled cherries to cool to room temperature, and then store them in the fridge for up to three months. 

Tip: f you want your pickled cherries to last even longer, heat process them for 15 minutes, then store in a dark and cool place. This will extend the shelf life to one year. 

Read more: 

• Is Sugar Vegan? What You Should Look Out For
• Quick Fruit Salad Recipe
• Does Fruit Have Protein? 12 High-Protein Fruits

Tags: Guide Recipes Vegan