Decorative, delicious toppers. That is the idea Chukar had in mind when it set out to create our all natural Maraschino Cherries and Dessert Cherries. Like a sprig of parsley with sirloin steak, cherry garnishes add a splash of color and elegance. Unlike a sprig of parsley, however, this garnish is meant to be eaten in one pleasurable and guiltless gulp.

What are the real differences between the Maraschino and Dessert Cherries? For that, we’ll have to discover what’s what.

Chukar’s maraschinos are an all natural version of the clown nose lookalikes that top a Shirley Temple. A testament to nature’s color palette, our maraschinos are dyed with natural fruits and vegetables.

Our Dessert Cherries, on the other hand, are like a two-in-one: the jarred juice may add a cherry swirl to cocktails and drinks like our Dark Cherry Mochaccinos, and the cherries, large and stemmed, charmingly decorate everything dessert. Like the maraschinos, their colors and flavors are derived from fruits and vegetables.

While both products are delicious and just plain fun to eat, there are some differences in their flavors. The Maraschino Cherry harks back to the maraschino liqueur whose name it bears, evoking almond and sweet cherry. In comparison, the Dessert Cherries are sweet, full-bodied, and almost chocolaty.

Though the products are conceptually the same, maraschinos are a favorite for topping Manhattans and other cocktails, as well as chocolate sundaes. Dessert Cherries, on the other hand, fair excellently on top of creamy panna cotta or anything chocolate.