Cornelian Cherry Paste
Cornelian cherry paste is a traditional Romanian preserve made from the small, red, slightly tart fruits of the cornelian cherry tree (Cornus mas). The fruits are cooked and sieved with sugar into a thick, intensely colored paste with a characteristic sweet-tart taste and a distinctive fruity aroma. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural pectin, cornelian cherry paste keeps very well and is delicious on bread, in pastries, or as a sauce for meat dishes.
Servings
8
Prep
20 min
Cook
75 min
Total
95 min
🥘Ingredients
servings
Main ingredients
Flavoring (optional)
✅Dietary Compatibility
Yield
approx. 3 jars of 370 ml
📦Storage
Refrigerator
Opened jar: up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator
Freezer
Sealed jar at room temperature: 12–18 months
🥗Nutrition Facts
Values per 100 g paste
Calories
210 kcal
Protein
0.5 g
Fat
0.1 g
Carbohydrates
52 g
Fiber
2.5 g
🍷Pairs Well With
💡Variations
Combine cornelian cherries with apples (70/30) for a milder-tasting paste with a lighter texture.
Add 1 tsp freshly grated ginger and a pinch of cardamom for an exotic version, excellent as a meat sauce.
Reduce sugar to a minimum and add a pinch of salt and pepper for a savory-tart condiment-style paste.