Origins of the Famous Red Cherry.

When it comes to a sundae or even a classic cocktail, we have all seen that famous single red cherry garnished on top. That’s a maraschino cherry! Read about the maraschino cherry history, its origins, and evolution.

Maraschino Cherry History

More specifically than being bright red and sweetened, a maraschino cherry traditionally comes from the marasca cherry found in Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia). In the 16th century, Dominican monks distilled the wild marasca cherry to make maraschino liqueur. At the same time, the whole cherries were preserved in the same sweet liqueur.

These original maraschino cherries were considered a delicacy exclusive for the royalty and wealthy as Dalmatia grew a limited supply of marasca cherries.

In the late 1800s, these cherries were introduced in high end bars and restaurants. Because of its crazy, high price, Americans looks for cheaper alternatives as well as non-alcoholic versions due to the prohibition. These cherries had to be labeled as “imitation maraschino cherries.”

In attempts to further improve on new versions of the sweetened, red cherry, a professor in Oregon created the modern-day brining method that is still used today with Queen Anne cherries soaked in food coloring and sugar syrup. Thanks to the professor, since 1939 any cherries preserved in this method could be labeled as maraschino cherries.

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