Kirsch facts for kids
Kirschwasser (say "Keer-sh-vah-ser"), often just called kirsch, is a special clear drink made from cherries. Its name means "cherry water" in German. It's made by taking sour cherries, including their seeds, and letting them ferment. Then, the liquid is distilled twice. This process makes it clear and not sweet, unlike some other cherry drinks. It can be made from different kinds of cherries, but it traditionally uses a dark type called morello cherries.
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What is Kirschwasser Used For?
Kirschwasser is often used in cooking and baking. It's a key ingredient in some famous dishes.
In Fondue
In Switzerland, kirschwasser is an important part of fondue. Fondue is a fun meal where people dip bread or other foods into a pot of melted cheese. The kirschwasser helps to make the cheese smooth and adds a special flavor.
In Drinks
Sometimes, kirschwasser is used in certain mixed drinks, like the Ladyfinger, the Florida, and the Rose. People in the areas where it comes from might also have a small, cold glass of it after dinner.
Where Does Kirschwasser Come From?
Kirschwasser is thought to have started in the Black Forest region of Germany. This is because morello cherries, which are used to make it, were first grown there.
How it's Made Clear
Kirschwasser is clear, not colored like some other drinks. This is because it's usually not stored in wooden barrels for a long time, or if it is, the barrels are made of wood like ash, which doesn't add color. Sometimes, it's aged in special barrels lined with paraffin or in clay pots.
Other Places That Make Kirsch
Besides Germany, Switzerland and a part of France called Alsace also make high-quality kirsch. In fact, Alsace even has a special "kirschwasser route" you can follow! Other places in German-speaking areas, like South Tyrolia, also produce good quality cherry drinks.
Alcohol Content
Kirschwasser is a type of fruit spirit. In Europe, these kinds of drinks must have at least 37.5% alcohol. Kirschwasser usually has between 40% and 50% alcohol. It takes about 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cherries to make one 750 ml bottle of kirschwasser.
Kirschwasser in Food
Kirsch is used in many delicious desserts.
In Cakes
It's a traditional ingredient in the famous German cake called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, which means "Black Forest gateau." This cake is known for its layers of chocolate, cream, and cherries. Kirsch is also used in other cakes, like the Gugelhupf.
In Chocolates
You might also find kirsch inside chocolates! A typical kirsch chocolate has a tiny bit of kirsch liquid inside. It's usually surrounded by dark chocolate, with a thin layer of hard sugar in between. The sugar layer keeps the liquid inside and adds a little sweetness, since kirsch itself isn't sweet. Famous Swiss chocolate makers like Lindt & Sprüngli and Camille Bloch make these special kirsch chocolates.
Other Desserts
Kirsch is also used in a dessert called cherries jubilee, where cherries are cooked with kirsch and often served with ice cream.
See also
In Spanish: Kirschwasser para niños
