Sweet & Tart Bing Cherry Conserve
Delight in the seasonal flavors of summer with this Sweet & Tart Bing Cherry Conserve. This recipe showcases the luscious, juicy qualities of Black Bing cherries, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of sugar and the tang of fresh lemon juice. Ideal for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese, this conserve brings a burst of bright flavor to your breakfast table or holiday gatherings. Best enjoyed fresh or stored for later enjoyment, it is a delicious way to preserve memories with the taste of fresh cherries.
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bing cherries, pitted
5 cups (Wash thoroughly and remove pits)
Sugar
2 cups (None)
Water
1/2 cup (None)
Fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup (Juice from fresh lemons)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing and pitting the Bing cherries. Place them in a large, heavy, shallow, non-reactive saucepan.
2
Incorporate the sugar with the cherries and gently toss to coat. Allow the mixture to rest for several hours or, for optimal flavor, refrigerate overnight to let the cherries release their juices.
3
After the resting period, add 1/2 cup of water to the mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Once boiling, cook for 5 minutes, allowing the cherries to soften further. Then, add the fresh lemon juice, stir well, and let the mixture boil rapidly until it thickens. To check doneness, a candy thermometer should register 221°F.
5
Remove the pan from heat and cover the preserves. Let it sit overnight at room temperature to enhance the flavors. If you prefer, refrigerate it during this period.
6
The following day, reheat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a boiling point again.
7
Carefully ladle the hot preserves into pre-warmed, sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal tightly.
8
Store the sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or place them in the freezer for longer preservation. Enjoy your homemade Bing Cherry Conserve!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cherries are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Black Bing cherries which provide a luscious and juicy quality.
How many cherries do I need for this conserve?
You will need 5 cups of pitted Bing cherries.
Is pitting the cherries necessary?
Yes, the cherries should be thoroughly washed and pitted before you begin the cooking process.
How much sugar is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sugar.
Why do I need to let the cherries and sugar sit overnight?
Letting them rest allows the cherries to release their natural juices and helps the sugar to incorporate more effectively.
Is water added to the cherry mixture?
Yes, add 1/2 cup of water to the mixture after the resting period before bringing it to a boil.
What type of saucepan should I use?
Use a large, heavy, shallow, and non-reactive saucepan to ensure even cooking and to avoid metallic flavors.
How long should the cherries boil initially?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, cook it for 5 minutes until the cherries soften further.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice?
Lemon juice provides a tart balance to the sweetness and helps the conserve reach its setting point.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice.
What temperature indicates the conserve is done?
A candy thermometer should register 221°F when the mixture has thickened sufficiently.
Why must the conserve sit overnight at room temperature after cooking?
This step allows the flavors to enhance and the texture to set properly.
Do I need to reheat the mixture the next day?
Yes, the mixture should be reheated over medium heat until it reaches a boiling point before canning.
How much headspace should I leave in the jars?
Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of the jars before sealing.
How should the canning jars be prepared?
The jars should be pre-warmed and sterilized before filling them with the hot preserves.
How long can I store this conserve in the refrigerator?
The sealed jars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze the Bing Cherry Conserve?
Yes, for longer preservation, you can place the jars in the freezer.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
What can I pair this cherry conserve with?
It is ideal for spreading on toast or pairing with various cheeses.
Is this recipe considered low protein?
Yes, it is tagged as a low protein food item.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a sweet and tart profile with bright fruit notes from the fresh cherries and lemon.
Does this recipe use pectin?
No, this recipe relies on sugar, lemon juice, and the natural properties of the fruit to thicken without added pectin.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and acidity balance.
What does 'non-reactive' mean in the context of the saucepan?
A non-reactive pan is made of materials like stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron that won't react with acidic ingredients like lemon juice.
Can I use frozen cherries?
While fresh Bing cherries are best for texture, frozen pitted cherries can be used if fresh are out of season.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, it is a delicious way to preserve summer flavors for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.
How do I check for doneness if I don't have a candy thermometer?
While the recipe specifies 221°F, you can also check for a thick, syrup-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Should the jars be sealed while the mixture is hot?
Yes, carefully ladle the hot preserves into the jars and seal them tightly while still hot.
Is there any fat or cholesterol in this recipe?
Based on the ingredients of fruit, sugar, and lemon juice, this recipe is naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free.
Can I use a different type of cherry?
While optimized for Bing cherries, other sweet cherry varieties can be used, though the flavor profile may shift slightly.