Ever wondered about maraschino cherries? Are they real or synthetic? How do they come to be, these artifically sweet treats in our drinks, or on top of our sundaes? Well, be prepared, cause I'm here to tell you the truth about them.
Not that there's a whole lot to tell...but yes, maraschino cherries are actually made of re
al cherries. Not bing though, typically the light colored cherries, like the Royal Ann. First they're brined (used to be in alcohol), then they sit in a bath of food coloring, sugar syrup, artificial and natural flavors and a few other things. Finally, after all that, they're dyed, usually red, but they acutally come in a variety of other colors, like green, blue, orange and even pink, who knew?
al cherries. Not bing though, typically the light colored cherries, like the Royal Ann. First they're brined (used to be in alcohol), then they sit in a bath of food coloring, sugar syrup, artificial and natural flavors and a few other things. Finally, after all that, they're dyed, usually red, but they acutally come in a variety of other colors, like green, blue, orange and even pink, who knew?
Interestingly enough, maraschino cherries were first created as a delicacy for royalty and the wealthy...oh how far they've fallen. The were also originally made using the marasca cherry and preserved in maraschino liquer, hence it's name. However, once brought over to the United States, producers were looking for an equivilant substitute to the expensive, imported cherries. Plus cherries tend to be a delicate and temperamental fruit, so this was a way of preserving some of the crop and letting less of it rot.
The current method of brining these cherries can be attributed to a man named Ernest Weigand. He developed a method that d
id not require alcohol, only more convenient since he figured this out right around the time of Prohibition. This method is for the most part, the same method that we still use to this day. So, the next time you order a Manhatten, or a Shirley Temple if that's more your cup of tea, ask for an extra cherry and toast one to the man for bringing us these tasty little treats.
id not require alcohol, only more convenient since he figured this out right around the time of Prohibition. This method is for the most part, the same method that we still use to this day. So, the next time you order a Manhatten, or a Shirley Temple if that's more your cup of tea, ask for an extra cherry and toast one to the man for bringing us these tasty little treats. 
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