Chokecherry Syrup

The chokecherry grows wild in Alberta and is also commonly found as an ornamental tree in many gardens. They grow in clusters like small grapes and are easy to harvest, but you need quite a lot to get a jar of syrup.

As far as I am concerned this is one of the most delicious and definitely underutilized treasures of the Prairies and I cannot praise it enough. It probably has three times the anti-oxidant properties of Acai berry and its flavour is dark, deep, rich and mysterious. The berries should be picked as late in the season as possible so that the tannins mellow and it is not so dry on the palate. Hence the name chokecherries.

Chokecherry syrup with pancakes is to die for. It is excellent as an accompaniment with pates, duck, goose, pork, game meat and it makes outstanding vinaigrette. However, the best way in my opinion to enjoy this gem is drizzled over a rich vanilla ice-cream sprinkled with roasted pecan nuts. It’s so simple and it is so very delicious. Nothing compares to it if you like ice-cream.

It might not be too late. If you know where to find chokecherry trees harvest as much as you can get. Even if they are frozen on the trees they will still be good or even better as they improve with freezing.

Wash and weigh. Add eighty percent of the weight in sugar. We use Organic Cane sugar but ordinary white sugar will do.  

For every pound of chokecherries add one to two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Throw the pulp in as well. The lemon juice will balance the sugar and how much you put in depends on the ripeness and quality of choke cherries you are using and also your own taste. Remember there is a difference in the quality of the berry according to how early or late they are picked.

Bring the lot to a boil stirring constantly so that the sugar does not burn at the bottom of the pot. Simmer for fifteen minutes on medium to low heat stirring occasionally. Depending on how liquid or jelly-like you want the finished product to be add pectin according to the formula of the type you are using. Strain through a sieve and can in glass jars. You will treasure every drop and reluctantly share it with friends and family.

If you fail to find chokecherries and would like to try this dessert we do have a few precious jars for sale. Call us at 1-800-679-7999 to order as our food products are not available in our online catalogue.