Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh cherries (preferably sweet cherries, pitted)
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 500 ml (2 cups) water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick, or a few cloves for extra flavor
- Sterilized glass jars with lids
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherries:
- Wash the cherries thoroughly and remove the stems.
- Pit the cherries using a pitter or a small knife. Pitting them ensures easy eating later on.
- Make the Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the lemon juice to the syrup, which helps preserve the color and flavor of the cherries.
- If you like, you can also add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the syrup for a touch of spice.
- Pack the Jars:
- Carefully place the pitted cherries into the sterilized glass jars, packing them tightly but leaving a little space at the top (about 1 cm or ½ inch).
- Pour the hot sugar syrup over the cherries, ensuring the fruit is fully submerged.
- Seal the Jars:
- Wipe the rims of the jars to remove any syrup.
- Seal the jars with their sterilized lids.
- Process the Jars:
- Place the sealed jars in a large pot of boiling water, making sure the water covers the jars completely.
- Boil for about 10-15 minutes (this process is called water bath canning).
- Carefully remove the jars from the pot and let them cool at room temperature.
- Store:
- Once the jars are completely cool, check the seals. The lids should be firm and slightly indented.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, and the cherries will be good for up to 12 months.
How to Enjoy:
In the winter, open a jar and serve the cherries as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or oatmeal. You can also use them in desserts, tarts, or simply eat them on their own for a sweet taste of summer!
Enjoy cherries in the winter just like in summer!
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