Marasca cherry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marasca cherry |
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Prunus cerasus in Otto Wilhelm Thomé, Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz, 188
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| Genus | Prunus |
| Species | Prunus cerasus |
| Cultivar | 'Marasca' |
| Origin | Dalmatia |
The Marasca cherry is a special kind of sour cherry. It is a type of Prunus cerasus, which is the scientific name for sour cherries. This particular cherry is known for its unique flavor. Many people believe it tastes best when grown along the coast of Croatia, especially in a region called Dalmatia.
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What is the Marasca Cherry?
The Marasca cherry is a small, dark fruit. It has a deep, almost black color because of natural pigments called anthocyanins. Unlike some sweet cherries, the Marasca cherry has a bitter taste and a drier inside. These qualities make it perfect for certain uses.
Where Do Marasca Cherries Grow?
Marasca cherries grow best in specific places. The largest harvests come from Zadar in Croatia. However, farmers have also successfully grown them in other countries. These include northern Italy, Slovenia, southern Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Marasca cherries have also started growing naturally in North America. It's important to know that the famous maraschino cherry you might see in stores is usually made from a different type of sweet cherry called the Royal Ann cherry. The Marasca cherry was the original type used for these treats.
How Did the Marasca Cherry Get its Name?
The name marasca comes from the Italian word amarasca. This word itself comes from amaro, which means 'bitter' in Italian. This makes sense, as the Marasca cherry is known for its distinct bitter taste. The first time this cherry was officially described was in 1850. A scientist named Roberto de Visiani wrote about it in his book, Flora dalmatica.
What Are Marasca Cherries Used For?
Because of their bitter taste and drier pulp, Marasca cherries are perfect for making special cherry products. Historically, they have been used to create a unique cherry-flavored syrup or preserve. This syrup is known for its rich, intense cherry flavor.
