Some fruits are deeply tied to summer, and petrokeraso (a Greek variety similar to Rainier cherry) is one of them. Sometimes bright red, other times a lighter yellowish-pink shade, it is a simple yet unique fruit that brings back the most classic tastes of summer.
It may not be the most striking fruit, but it has a clean, refreshing flavor that makes it perfect for a traditional spoon sweet. It is one of those fruits that carries the essence of the season within it and easily transforms into a jar of sweetness that preserves its taste for longer.
In the past, you would often find it in courtyards and neighborhood trees, slowly ripening under the summer sun, until the moment came for it to be turned into spoon sweet, just as it has always been done in Greek kitchens...
Easy
Total: Aprox. 30 min
Α medium sized jar
Ingredients
- 1 kg rainier cherries, pitted
- 1100 g sugar
- 300 g water
- 2/3 tsp citric acid/ sour salt, dissolved in a little water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 sachet vanillin or 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to
- In a bowl, add the rainier cherries and the sugar and after closing the bowl, refrigerate for 10 - 12 hours.
- In a pot, add the water and the rainier cherries and boil for 10 - 15 minutes, removing the foam.
- Leave the spoon sweet in the syrup for 8 - 10 hours, gently shaking the pot occasionally so the rainier cherries mix evenly with the syrup.
- Then boil again for 10 minutes or until it sets.
- In the final boil, add the vanillin, the citric acid (dissolved in 1 tbsp water) and the lemon juice and stir very gently.
- Once cooled, transfer to sterile jars and store in a cool, dry, dark place.
Note from Greek jar:
I have experimented with different sugar-to-fruit ratios for this rainier cherry spoon sweet, but I finally found the absolute perfect balance with this recipe. Since rainier cherries (petrokerasa) are naturally crispier and firmer than regular cherries, this slight adjustment in sugar and water delivers the ideal result without being overly sweet. Not only does this rich syrup coat the fruit beautifully and ensure perfect preservation, but it also never goes to waste! It pairs wonderfully with Greek yogurt, on top of cheesecake, or drizzled over vanilla and kaimaki ice cream.
Old recipes mention the use of whitewash (lime and water) to keep the rainier cherries crisp. Soak the rainier cherries in whitewash for 2 - 3 hours and then rinse very well!!!! I avoid this and I think that my spoon sweet is quite crisp without the use of whitewash.
