Cherries Recipes - AFTouch-Cuisine
Ah, cherries! These little red jewels that announce summer and have delighted our taste buds since time immemorial. It's impossible to remain indifferent to these delicate, fleshy and sweet fruits, which have inspired the greatest chefs and poets. At AFTouch-Cuisine, we are simply mad about them, and we have every reason to be.
Did you know that wild cherry trees already existed in prehistoric times? The Romans, always fond of good food, refined the cultivation of this wonderful fruit and exported it throughout their entire empire. But it was really in the Middle Ages and Renaissance that cherries conquered European royal tables, becoming a symbol of a certain form of luxury and refinement. Louis XIV was apparently mad about them! And who could blame him?
The cherry exists in approximately 1000 different varieties, from the most acidic to the sweetest. Sour cherry trees produce these little tart cherries, perfect for cooking, while sweet cherry trees offer larger and sweeter fruits, ideal for eating fresh. Besides, Dubarry shares his enthusiasm for his magnificent "Montmorency Petite Queue" sour cherry tree that flourishes in his garden in Lagny-sur-Marne, promising a generous harvest. This type of passion for the fruit at its source is exactly what inspires us in developing our recipes.
In the kitchen, cherries are gourmand chameleons. They shine in desserts, of course, think of our delicious Crumble that crunches between your teeth, but they also slip subtly into savoury and sweet-savoury dishes. Chefs of the 19th century understood this well, notably Auguste Escoffier who reigned supreme in French kitchens. His masterful Cherry Sauce according to Escoffier remains a reference, a classic that proves this little cherry can transform simple poultry into a royal feast.
Let's talk a little culinary alchemy. The cherry has this remarkable ability to balance flavours. Its natural acidity awakens sleeping taste buds, while its natural sugar soothes and caresses. This is why it works so well as an accompaniment to chicken, discover our Chicken Roulade to see for yourself, or even in more surprising combinations like our Red Tart with Green Asparagus, where the cherry brings a touch of colour and elegance.
In summer, when cherries are at their peak, it's also the time to think of refreshing preparations. A Melon Granita with Honey can be elevated by a few fresh cherries sprinkled on top, creating an absolutely delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
What makes cherries so special is their brevity. They are here for only a few weeks, mainly in June and July. It's an invitation to seize the moment, to savour every bite as if it were the last. And believe me, after tasting a quality cherry, glistening with morning dew, you will understand why we food lovers wait all year for this magical moment.
So, don't miss a thing from this short season. Explore our recipes, let yourself be guided by Chef Patrick Asfaux's experience, and transform these precious little fruits into unforgettable moments around your table. Cherries are waiting for you!
