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The Red-Hot Ingredient Behind Innovative and Flavorful Dessert Innovations
See how U.S.-grown tart cherries have become a red-hot ingredient in traditional baked treats by bringing together flavors and adding a mouthwatering splash of color to dessert innovations.
U.S. Tart Cherry Industry
Today, people know the importance of treating themselves more than ever with 64% of consumers1 are accounting for baked goods in their grocery budget (American Bakers Association). However, the days of simple sweet treats are long over. Consumers are turning in their traditional recipes in favor of recipes that adventure into dessert mash-ups, the unlikely combinations that blend flavor profiles to create unique sweet treats. Despite constant evolution of consumer trends, U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherries have continued to be a desired flavor in dessert innovations and a comforting base in flavor mash-ups.
Courtesy of Tart Cherries
Dessert lovers have long been familiar with this in-demand fruit. However, product developers are now discovering tart cherries’ ability to bring together dessert mash-ups given their versatility and flavor profile.
This U.S.-grown fruit is available year-round in a variety of forms—including dried, frozen, canned, juice, and juice concentrate—allowing the fruit to keep up with the consumer demand. Montmorency tart cherries are the most common variety of tart cherries and have a long history of being grown on small generational farms in the U.S, and according to Datassential, 92% of consumers prefer a U.S. tart cherry compared to an imported tart cherry. Additionally, Datassential reports1 22% of consumers are willing to pay more for tart cherries sweet treats given their premium nature. Whether consumers are adding tart cherries to pies, crumbles, or cobblers, tart cherries add a balance of flavors and a splash of bright ruby-red colorful mouth-watering pop.
With consumers seeking mash-ups of familiar foods and unconventional flavor pairings, tart cherries’ flavor profile evokes a deep sense of nostalgia associated with classic flavors. As product developers tap into the mash-up trend, tart cherries can serve as the base ingredient to bring together unique flavor profiles:
Courtesy of Tart Cherries
- Matcha: Not only does Matcha bring an energizing boost, but its vegetal and grass-like earthy tones complement the sweet-tart bite of the tart cherries.
- Ginger: Prepare to open the door to a dynamic and invigorating flavor pairing by adding the sweet and spicy taste of ginger to the tartness of cherries.
- Vanilla: Indulge in balance by pairing the smooth and subtle sweet taste of vanilla as it heightens the tartness of the cherries.
- Dark Chocolate: Create a flavor harmony as the tartness of cherries perfectly complements the decadence and slight bitter taste of dark chocolate
- Almonds: It’s okay to get a little nuts with flavor combinations. Almonds will elevate the sweet-sour taste of cherries and add a bit of texture for another delightful combination.
- Cinnamon: Further embrace the cozy and comfort of tart cherries with the warm and sweet taste of cinnamon.
- Citrus: Pairing with refreshing and vibrant citruses like yuzu, lemon, or lime, helps bring out the sweet-tart pop to create a distinct tasting experience.
- Nutmeg: Refresh and comfort your palate by balancing the fruity aroma of tart cherries with the warm coziness and earthy tones in nutmeg.
- Lavender: Floral meets fruity to create a refreshing taste when pairing the calming sensation of lavender and the fruity tart aroma of the cherries.
