Dried Sour Cherry

What Are Dried Sour Cherries?

Dried sour cherries are a sweet-tart dried fruit obtained by pitting and drying sour cherries (Prunus cerasus). As they lose water during drying, their flavor becomes concentrated and they take on a raisin-like, chewable texture.

While the naturally dried form has a pronounced tartness, some commercial products are sweetened and softened with sugar or syrup. Their tart character adds a pleasant contrast to sweet recipes.

Nutritional Values of Dried Sour Cherries

Having lost their water, dried sour cherries are a dried fruit concentrated in sugar and energy; they contain about 340 kcal of energy, fiber, and potassium per 100 g. Calories increase in sugared varieties; values are given as approximations.

What Are the Benefits of Dried Sour Cherries?

With their fiber, potassium, and natural anthocyanin content, dried sour cherries can be considered part of a balanced diet; various studies have been conducted on sour cherries. Due to their concentrated sugar, they should be consumed in moderation.

This information is general; dried sour cherries are a food and are not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Dried Sour Cherries

Good-quality dried sour cherries are dark red-burgundy, chewably soft, and sweet-tart smelling; check the ingredient list for whether sugar/syrup has been added.

• Color should be dark red-burgundy, texture should be chewably soft
• Avoid ones that are overly hard-dry or wet-sticky
• Sugar-free/additive-free products can be preferred for additive sensitivity

How to Store Dried Sour Cherries

Dried sour cherries keep for months in a closed jar in a dry, cool place; sugared-moist varieties last longer in the refrigerator. They should be protected from moisture and direct light.

Using Dried Sour Cherries in Cooking

Dried sour cherries are used like raisins in cakes, cookies, and muffins; added to granola, muesli, energy bars, and chocolate-cereal mixes. Their tartness is also used in some sauces for meat dishes.

How Are Dried Sour Cherries Used in Cake?

Dried sour cherries lightly coated in flour before being added to batter don't sink to the bottom of the cake as it bakes, and they add a sweet-tart note.

Are Dried Sour Cherries Softened?

Hard dried sour cherries can be softened by briefly soaking in warm water, fruit juice, or some hot liquid before being used in recipes.

Which Recipes Use Dried Sour Cherries?

Cakes and cookies, granola-muesli, chocolate mixes, energy bars, and some meat sauces are the best-known uses of dried sour cherries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dried sour cherries sugared?

The naturally dried form contains no added sugar and is tart-sweet; however, some commercial products are sweetened with sugar or syrup, which is stated in the ingredient list.

What is the difference between dried sour cherries and raisins?

Both are dried fruits used similarly; dried sour cherries are distinctly tart-sweet, while raisins are sweeter and more neutral.

Do dried sour cherries have pits?

No; the pit is removed before drying, so they can be eaten directly and used in recipes.

How should dried sour cherries be stored?

In a closed jar in a dry, cool place; moist-sugared varieties stay fresher longer in the refrigerator.

Are dried sour cherries used in granola?

Yes; their tartness adds a pleasant contrast to granola, muesli, and cereal mixes and is a common use.