Canning cherries is a great way to preserve their sweetness and flavor for months to come. Whether you are canning sweet or tart cherries, the process is relatively straightforward and requires just a few simple supplies.
With the right preparation and a bit of patience, you can enjoy homemade canned cherries all year round! In this article, we will cover the basics of how to safely can cherries, and the benefits that this can offer.
What Are Cherries?
Cherries are a type of stone fruit that is found across Europe, Western Asia and areas of Northern Africa. They are widely cultivated around the world for their sweet flavor and bright red color. Cherries can be eaten raw, used in baking, or cooked into jams or jellies.
Are Cherries Healthy?
Cherries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, so they are definitely a healthy option when it comes to snacking or using them in recipes. They can also help reduce inflammation and fight off free radicals – making them an excellent addition to any diet.
In addition, they are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Why Should You Can Cherries?
So, just why should you can cherries? There are a number of benefits to this, including:
Convenience
Canning cherries allows you to enjoy their sweet taste all year round, without having to worry about the season, ensuring that you can get your hands on the best cherries in any given month.
Longer Shelf Life
Canned cherries also have a longer shelf life than fresh ones, so they are perfect for stocking up and having on hand for when the craving strikes.
Flavor Preservation
Canning preserves the flavor of the cherries for much longer than if you were to store them in the refrigerator. This means that you can enjoy them even when they aren’t in season.
How To Can Cherries?
Now that you know why you should can cherries, let’s get into the actual process of how to can cherries.
1. Prepare Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure that you have all the necessary supplies on hand. These include a large pot, canning jars, lids and bands, and a jar lifter.
2. Wash The Cherries
Begin by washing the cherries thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Take care to remove all the stems to ensure that your canned cherries last for as long as possible.
3. Pit The Cherries
Remove the pits from each cherry using a cherry pitter or paring knife – this is an important step to ensure that your canned cherries will last as long as possible.
4. Boil The Cherries
Once the cherries have been washed and dried, place them in a large pot and cover them with water.
Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally to ensure that all of the cherries are cooked through. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes before removing from the heat.
5. Fill The Jars
Once the cherries have finished cooking, it’s time to fill the jars. Using a ladle and funnel, fill each jar, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. Be sure to leave enough room for expansion when canning cherries.
6. Process The Jars
Finally, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes. This helps to preserve the cherries and ensure that they will last as long as possible. Once finished, remove from the heat and let sit for 24 hours before checking for a proper seal.
7. Store The Cherries
Once the jars have been checked for a proper seal, they are ready to be stored. Label the jars with the date so that you can easily identify them later on. Store in a cool, dark place, and enjoy your homemade canned cherries whenever you please!
What Can You Do With Canned Cherries?
Canned cherries can be enjoyed as is or used in a variety of recipes, and some of the best options for using them include:
Bake A Cherry Pie
A delicious cherry pie is a classic dessert, and canned cherries are the perfect way to make it – all you need is a few pantry staples, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious homemade treat. This is also a great way to enjoy a sweet treat in a healthier way.
Make Cherry Sauce
Cherry sauce is a great way to add some sweetness and flavor to your favorite dishes. Simmer canned cherries with sugar, butter, and spices for a delicious sauce that goes great on ice cream, cheesecake, or even savory dishes like pork or chicken for a unique twist.
Make A Homemade Jam
Homemade jams are a great way to preserve fruit, and canned cherries make an excellent base for a delicious homemade jam. Simply combine the cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and pectin for a sweet spread that can be enjoyed for months to come.
Desserts
Canned cherries can be used to make a variety of delicious desserts. From cherry cobblers and clafoutis to muffins and tarts, the possibilities are endless when you have canned cherries on hand.
Savory Dishes
It may seem unusual, but canned cherries are also a great addition to savory dishes, and can be a great way to try something new and delicious. Try adding them into a sauce for pork or chicken, or try making a cherry-glazed vegetable dish – the possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
Canning cherries at home can be a great way to enjoy this delicious and nutritious fruit all year round. With the right steps and some simple supplies, you can make sure that your cherries stay fresh and full of flavor for months to come.
Plus, canned cherries are incredibly versatile – they can be used in both sweet and savory dishes for a unique twist on your favorite recipes!
Hello, my name is Valentina and I am the founder or ‘grower’ as I like to call myself of BonitaFruitTrees.com.
Cultivating my own fruit trees is definitely my passion, and has been for such a long time.
That’s what made me want to make this website. I wanted to create a place where I could share my experiences with others, teach more people how to grow fruit trees, and just help them have a little fun with it.
