Maraschino Cherries

A maraschino cherry is a preserved sweetened cherry, typically made from light colored sweet cherries such as the Royal Ann, Rainer or Gold varieties. The name maraschino originates from the Marasca Cherry of Croatian origin and the maraschino liqueur made from it.

Leelanau Fruit Company cherries are harvested at the peak of ripeness, then stored in a brine solution to preserve the fruit. Our cherries are then carefully washed, pitted, sorted, and soaked in a colored sugar syrup until the desired color and flavor is obtained.

Cherry, you’ve now earned the title, Maraschino!

Leelanau Fruit Company uses traditional maraschino cherry recipes to produce our fruit. Our maraschinos are red in color and are flavored with the traditional oil of bitter almond. We can custom produce maraschino cherries to your specific flavor and color profile.

Maraschino Cherries are often used as a garnish to decorate frozen yogurt, baked ham, cakes, pastries, parfaits, milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, ice cream sodas and pineapple upside down cake. They are also a staple in canned fruit cocktail. Maraschino cherries are an ingredient in many cocktails- giving them the nickname “Cocktail Cherries.”