by Published: Last updated:
Italian Cuisine Expert and Food Blogger
Guido Pedrelli
Guido Pedrelli, the mastermind behind Nonna Box, has honed his culinary expertise for decades, inspired by family feasts in Emilia-Romagna. Mentored by his restaurateur nonna, he mastered Italian classics and furthered his skills with professional culinary studies in desserts and gelato making from Mec3. Today, he shares this rich legacy and authentic recipes through Nonna Box.
A Japanese legend tells of a warrior who became so old that he outlived his family. His most precious memory was of playing underneath a cherry tree, but when it died, he was so devastated that he wanted to die too, despite the fact that a new tree had been planted nearby. That winter, the old warrior begged the tree to blossom once more and vowed that he would take his own life if his wish be granted. It was and the old man committed hara-kiri under the dead tree, his spirit and his blood soaking down to the roots to color, forever, the fruit of the tree. It is said that the tree blooms every year on the old warrior’s birthday.
Years ago Maraschino cherries were steeped in 70% proof Maraschino cordial made from the juice of the Italian Dalmatian Marasca wild cherry.
Today the commercial process puts the cherries into a soup of of sodium metabisulfate, calcium chloride, and citric acid which serves as a brining liquid – then it’s soaked in corn syrup and a fructose solution. The cherries are artificially flavored and dyed red or green. Now that you know this, wouldn’t you prefer to make your own?
Use the maraschino cherries with Italian cannolis or serve them with pizzelle if you don’t want to use them in a more traditional Martini drink.