For years cherry flavor has been a crowd favorite amongst consumers in the food and beverage industry. Cherry flavors have always been popular in whatever form they take and are often part of a core set of flavors, such as watermelon, strawberry, apple, grape, and most significantly, cherry. Even in traditional and alcoholic beverages, cherries have always been popular among consumers, and the flavor never ceases to be sold. As predicted in our 2022 Beverage Trends, we anticipated cherry playing a larger role as consumers continued desiring familiar flavors that would transport them back to a time of comfort. Ringing true to our predictions, this year, nearly 7% of all incoming beverage requests have included the desired cherry component. So, why are cherry flavors so popular? Is it an eye-catching color? The symbolism? Or are there chemical compounds specifically designed to make us want more.
What Makes Cherries so Sweet?
The flavor we often associate with cherry-flavored products on the market may not exactly taste like a cherry on a tree. As with most fruit-flavored candies or beverages, what you taste can be derived from the flavor chemistry of the named fruit, but often, the levels and types of these materials used can be accentuated. A flavor chemist can create a flavor profile of any given fruit based on analytical data which resembles the chemical makeup found in nature; this is true for every kind of fruit-flavored beverage — from bananas to blueberries, for example. Additionally, creative liberties can be taken for additional flavor notes to be added. For example, our customer may want some berry or vanilla notes which may not be contained in the chemical makeup of the actual fruit but can accentuate or steer the direction of the flavor profile for the benefit of the finished product.
The dominant aroma chemical in cherries is benzaldehyde, which people often associate with cherry flavor. Benzaldehyde can also sometimes make the cherry flavor in beverages taste different from the actual fruit. Benzaldehyde is found in low levels in the aroma chemical makeup of cherry fruit; however, this material has become the benchmark of what a cherry flavor should be perceived as and is used in higher concentrations for more impact, which isn’t always truly representative depending on the varietal of cherry you are making. Additionally, because of its tenacity, benzaldehyde is used in pharmaceutical products to mask off-notes, cough drops, and syrup, which causes people to associate it as medicinal.
Other materials are found in more significant amounts; however, benzaldehyde is powerful and has a dominant character making it the primary compound people identify as the traditional cherry taste.
Other compounds which make up the cherry flavors are:
- Eugenol, which tastes like clove.
- Linalool has a floral and woody flavor.
- Hexanal (cis 3-hexenal/trans-2-hexenal) which has a grassy taste.
- Phenylacetaldehyde makes a honey-like sweet flavor.
The Verdict
So why is cherry flavor so popular? Its ruby color derives thoughts of treasure and good fortune as used in paintings and religious stories, and its symbolism alludes to sexuality in a way that makes the fruit even more appealing — a connotation marketers have used to sell cherry-flavored products for years. While cherries have other desirable aspects, the most compelling verdict is that the compounds found in the cherry and the additional ingredients designed by flavor architects create an irresistible taste. Ultimately the cherries’ endurance is because of their flavor. Whether it be to quench your thirst, satisfy your sweet tooth, or mask the bitter taste of liquid medicine, the cherry reigns supreme.
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FAQs
Benzaldehyde is found in low levels in the aroma chemical makeup of cherry fruit; however, this material has become the benchmark of what a cherry flavor should be perceived as and is used in higher concentrations for more impact, which isn't always truly representative depending on the varietal of cherry you are ...
What brings out cherry flavor? ›
Boost cherry recipes with almond extract – often made using cherry pits, it enhances the natural flavour of the fruit.
Why does cherry flavor taste so good? ›
What probably has made cherry flavors so historically popular are their instantly identifiable character, which is due to the presence of one ingredient, Benzaldehyde. In fact, some would say that without a fair dose of it, a cherry flavor has little appeal.
Why is so much medicine cherry-flavored? ›
One reason so many medicines are cherry-flavored is simply because of the power of association. Before the invention of synthetic drugs, medical professionals turned to bold flavors like cherry to mask the taste of bitter herbal medicine.
What is artificial cherry Flavour made of? ›
Besides benzaldehyde, other popular compounds in cherry flavors are eugenol, which tastes like cloves, or linalool, which has a woodsy, floral profile. A flavor chemist can play around with these compound levels until they create the perfect cherry flavor. It's not natural; it's science.
How do you intensify cherry Flavour? ›
Pure extracts, like vanilla extra and almond extra, as well as cherry liqueur, also enhance the flavor of cherries. What Spices Go with Cherries? Cherries pair well with warm baking spices, like cinnamon, all-spice, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Add a little of any of these to your pie filling for a fun twist.
What is the ingredient in cherry flavor? ›
Other materials are found in more significant amounts; however, benzaldehyde is powerful and has a dominant character making it the primary compound people identify as the traditional cherry taste.
What chemical makes cherry flavor? ›
Benzaldehyde is found in low levels in the aroma chemical makeup of cherry fruit; however, this material has become the benchmark of what a cherry flavor should be perceived as and is used in higher concentrations for more impact, which isn't always truly representative depending on the varietal of cherry you are ...
What flavor is closest to cherry? ›
Plums, apricots and nectarines are all excellent choices for replacements. Plums have a similar sweetness and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Apricots also have a delicate sweetness, making them ideal for baked goods. Nectarines have a slightly tart flavor that can add depth to sauces and marinades.
Why do Americans love cherry Flavour? ›
Because: Cherries are a relatively common American staple, especially in the Midwest, and. Artificial cherry flavor is one of the easiest to produce and most accurate artificial flavors, meaning it's easy to make cherry-flavored whatever.
A cherry-flavored, red-colored variety. It was the first new flavor added to the Dr. Pepper family of beverages in the company's 122-year history. It was released as part of a trend of "variety expansions", which included rival Pepsi Blue and Cadbury-Schweppes' own DnL.
Is Coca Cola Cherry flavored? ›
Coca‑Cola® Cherry
Enjoy the crisp and refreshing taste of Coca‑Cola with sweet, smooth cherry flavor.
Why is cherry so expensive? ›
Also, Cherries simply come and go quite quickly, so it is rare to find cherries on sale or offered at a low price. The reason cherries are so expensive is because fungicides are required to keep the fruits in good shape and not lose them completely.
Is formaldehyde used in maraschino cherries? ›
An urban myth prevented me early on from eating them – word got around they were preserved in formaldehyde and could not be digested. Not quite, as it turns out. The cherries are actually preserved in sodium metabisulfate, calcium chloride and citric acid and subsequently dyed those alarming shades of red and green.
What is brand new cherry flavor based on? ›
Brand New Cherry Flavor is an American horror drama television limited series created by Nick Antosca and Lenore Zion, based on the novel of the same name by Todd Grimson. The cast includes Rosa Salazar, Catherine Keener, Eric Lange, Manny Jacinto, and Jeff Ward. The series premiered on Netflix on August 14, 2021.
What is the name of the fake cherry? ›
Maraschino cherries, also known as co*cktail cherries, are preserved, sweetened, and artificially colored to become bright red cherries. That's why they have a different taste and composition (no pits) than natural cherries.
How to bring out flavor in cherries? ›
Simply add sugar, water or other liquids such as juices or alcohol (brandy, rum or bourbon work well), and any spices you want to incorporate to your cherries in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low temperature and simmer for about 8 minutes, until cherries are tender.
What spices enhance cherries? ›
What seasoning goes well with cherries? Black pepper, cinnamon, sage, basil, thyme, mint, coriander/cilantro, nutmeg, saffron, anise, ginger, allspice, clove are the herbs and spices that enhance the flavor profile with cherries.
What flavor complements cherry? ›
Cherry: Pairs well with almond, apricot, black pepper, caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, citrus (especially lemon), nectarine, peach, plum, sage, and vanilla. It will do especially well in drinks with amaretto, bourbon, brandy, crème de cassis, Grand Marnier, kirsch, rum, sweet vermouth, and vodka.
How can I increase my cherry production? ›
It is widely known that pruning a young cherry tree will stimulate new growth and prolong its vegetative state. Growers are addressing this concern in other ways. It is widely known that pruning a young cherry tree will stimulate new growth and prolong its vegetative state.
