Getting Creative with Unripe Cherries: 12 Delicious Ways to Use Them

Nothing’s more disappointing than eagerly buying or picking a batch of cherries only to discover they’re not yet ripe. If you’ve found yourself with tart green cherries, don’t despair! From sweet baked goods to savory sauces, there are many delicious ways to transform those unripe cherries into something tasty.

Overview: The Fruity Possibilities

Unripe cherries offer a unique flavor profile compared to their ripe, juicy counterparts. While ripe cherries are sweet and juicy, unripe cherries have a tangy, sour quality reminiscent of a lime. Their firm flesh also lends well to being cooked down into chutneys, sauces and preserves.

While snacking on raw green cherries isn’t ideal they can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are 12 creative ideas to make the most of unripe cherries

Savory Uses for Unripe Cherries

Take advantage of their tart, tangy flavor in these savory dishes:

• Cherry Chutney – Cook down chopped cherries into a chunky chutney seasoned with warm spices like ginger, clove and cinnamon. Spread on grilled meats or stir into rice dishes

• Cherry BBQ Sauce – Puree cherries into a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for grilled chicken or pork. Balance with chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar.

• Cherry Vinaigrette – Blend cherries into an oil and vinegar dressing for green salads. Add shallot, mustard and herbs.

• Cherry & Goat Cheese Flatbread – Top flatbread with crumbled goat cheese, caramelized onions and roasted unripe cherries for a gourmet appetizer.

• Cherry Sauce – Saute chopped cherries to make a quick sauce for pork chops or fish fillets. Splash in balsamic or red wine vinegar.

• Cherry Salsa – Dice cherries small and combine with red onion, bell pepper, garlic, jalapeño and cilantro for a unique salsa.

Sweet Treats starring Unripe Cherries

Unripe cherries can also be used in baking, desserts and beverages:

• Cherry Pie – Bake chopped cherries into a pie filling sweetened with sugar and flavored with almond extract or cinnamon.

• Cherry Oatmeal Cookies – Fold chopped cherries into oatmeal cookie batter for bursts of tartness. Raisins add natural sweetness.

• Cherry & Chocolate Loaf – Swirl chopped cherries into chocolate quick bread or muffins for moisture and pockets of tangy flavor.

• Cherry Ice Cream – Blend cherries into an ice cream base before churning for a refreshing, summery treat.

• Cherry Lemonade – Muddle cherries and mint into homemade lemonade for an earthy, refreshing beverage.

• Cherry Mojito– Muddle unripe cherries with mint, lime juice and sugar into rum for a boozy twist on a mojito cocktail.

Tips for Cooking with Unripe Cherries

Follow these tips to get the most flavor and texture out of unripe cherries:

• Remove pits and cut cherries into smaller pieces to shorten cooking time. Pitting is easier when raw.

• Add a sweetener like sugar or honey to balance tartness. Start with 1/4 cup per cup of chopped cherries.

• Complement their tangy flavor with cinnamon, ginger, lemon zest or vanilla.

• Cook down into sauces, chutneys and preserves to concentrate flavor.

• Roast at 400°F for 10-15 minutes to caramelize natural sugars.

• Pair with ingredients like goat cheese, pork, fish and mint that stand up to their assertive flavor.

• Use within 2-3 days for best flavor and texture. Refrigerate if not using right away.

Preserving Unripe Cherries

Don’t let that surplus of green cherries go to waste! Here are easy methods to preserve them:

• Canning – Make cherry jam by cooking pitted cherries with sugar and pectin. Process and seal jars.

• Freezing – Pit cherries, spread on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to bags or containers.

• Pickling – Pickle cherries in a brine of vinegar, sugar and spices. Keeps in the fridge for months.

• Drying – Use a dehydrator or low oven to dry sliced cherries. Store in an airtight container.

• Juice – Juice cherries and freeze into ice cube trays. Add to smoothies and cocktails later.

Time to Get Creative!

Now that you’re inspired, don’t let those unripe cherries languish any longer. Whether you’re baking a pie, blending a salsa or crafting a cocktail syrup, transform those tart green cherries into something spectacular. Just remember – a little sugar and creativity goes a long way!