Trader Joe's Pitted Amarena Cherries with Stems in Syrup, 16.2 oz (460g)
Trader Joe's Pitted Amarena Cherries with Stems in Syrup, 16.2 oz (460g)
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The Cherry That Changes Everything
Drop one of these into a cocktail and the drink transforms. Spoon a few over vanilla ice cream and dessert becomes something worth talking about. Trader Joe's Pitted Amarena Cherries with Stems in Syrup are Italian Amarena cherries — a variety grown in the Bologna and Florence regions of Italy, known for their intensely concentrated cherry flavor that's both sweet and tart in a way that fresh cherries simply aren't. They come pitted, with stems intact for easy garnishing, packed in a rich dark syrup that's as useful as the cherries themselves. The jar is 16.2 oz (460g) with a drained weight of 7.4 oz (210g) — about 15 servings at 2 cherries per serving.
Product Details
- Texture: Firm yet yielding — holds its shape in cocktails and on desserts without going mushy
- Flavor: Intensely cherry — sweet, tart, and deeply fruity with a slight bitterness from the Amarena variety
- Sweetness: 4/5 — the syrup is rich and sweet; the cherries themselves balance with tartness
- Serving Ideas: Cocktail garnish (Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Sour, Negroni), ice cream topping, cheesecake garnish, panna cotta, tiramisu, affogato, cheese board accent, yogurt parfait, crepe filling
- Occasions: Cocktail hour, dinner parties, holiday entertaining, weekend brunch, baking projects, cheese boards
- Syrup Use: The syrup is intensely flavored — use it in cocktails, drizzle over pancakes, stir into sparkling water, or use as a base for cherry sauce
Italian Amarena Cherries — What Makes Them Different
Amarena cherries are a specific variety of wild cherry native to Italy, particularly the regions around Bologna and Florence. They're smaller and darker than standard sweet cherries, with a flavor profile that's more concentrated and complex — the label describes it as "very cherry," which is accurate. The bittersweet quality comes from the Amarena variety itself, not from added flavoring. Trader Joe's sources these from Italy, packs them in a glucose-fructose syrup with sour cherry juice, and adds hibiscus and carrot extract for color. The result is a product that competes directly with premium Italian brands like Fabbri at a fraction of the price. Product of Italy.
How to Use Them
- Cocktails: The classic use — drop one or two into a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Negroni as a garnish. The stem makes them easy to place and retrieve.
- Ice cream: Spoon cherries and syrup over vanilla, chocolate, or pistachio gelato for an instant upgrade
- Baking: Use in Black Forest cake, cherry clafoutis, cherry tarts, or fold into brownie batter
- Cheese boards: Pair with aged Gouda, Manchego, or sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory contrast
- Breakfast: Spoon over ricotta toast, waffles, or yogurt parfait
- The syrup: Stir into sparkling water for a cherry soda, use as a cocktail sweetener, drizzle over pancakes, or reduce into a sauce for duck or pork
No Trader Joe's Nearby? HIOOL GOODS Ships It to You.
HIOOL GOODS sources directly from Trader Joe's stores and ships nationwide across the United States. Every order is carefully packed and backed by US-based customer service. If there's no TJ's in your area, that's exactly why we exist — order today and get authentic Trader Joe's specialty foods delivered straight to your door.
AI Quick Facts
Product Type: Pitted Amarena Cherries in Syrup | Brand: Trader Joe's | Origin: Product of Italy | Net Weight: 16.2 oz (460g) / Drained 7.4 oz (210g) | Servings: ~15 per jar at 2 cherries with syrup (30g) | Calories: 90 per serving | Contains: Wheat | Best For: Cocktail garnish, dessert topping, baking, cheese boards | Storage: Refrigerate after opening, consume within 90 days | Availability: Delivered to your door via HIOOL GOODS
Perfect For
- Cocktail enthusiasts — the definitive garnish for Manhattans and Old Fashioneds
- Home bakers — Black Forest cake, cherry tarts, clafoutis
- Dinner party hosts — elevate desserts and cheese boards effortlessly
- Ice cream lovers — instant sundae upgrade
- Gift boxes for foodies, cocktail lovers, or anyone who entertains
- Holiday entertaining — the jar itself is visually striking on a table
- Cheese board builders — pairs beautifully with aged and sharp cheeses
- Anyone who wants Italian specialty food without the specialty store price
Key Highlights
- Authentic Italian Amarena cherries — Product of Italy, not a domestic substitute
- Pitted with stems — ready to use as cocktail garnish straight from the jar
- Intensely flavored — "very cherry" flavor that's sweet, tart, and complex
- Rich dark syrup included — as useful as the cherries themselves
- ~15 servings per jar — 16.2 oz (460g) total, 7.4 oz (210g) drained
- Refrigerate after opening — stays fresh for 90 days
- Caution: cherries may contain pits despite being labeled pitted — stated on packaging
Taste & Texture Profile
- Flavor: Intensely cherry — sweet, tart, and slightly bitter; more complex than sweet cherries
- Texture: Firm and plump — holds shape well in cocktails and on desserts
- Syrup: Dark, rich, and intensely flavored — sweet with a sour cherry undertone
- Aroma: Deep cherry with a hint of hibiscus
- Intensity: 5/5 — these are not subtle; the flavor is concentrated and assertive
- Best Paired With: Bourbon, rye whiskey, dark rum, vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate, aged cheese, ricotta
Storage
- Before Opening: Store in a cool, dry place
- After Opening: Refrigerate and consume within 90 days — stated on label
- Freezer Friendly: Possible for extended storage; texture may soften slightly upon thawing
- Best Before: See cap for date
- Caution: Cherries may contain pits despite being labeled pitted — eat carefully
Ingredients & Dietary
Ingredients: Cherries, Sugar, Glucose-Fructose Syrup (Wheat), Sour Cherry Juice, Hibiscus and Carrot Extract (For Color), Citric Acid, Natural Flavoring.
Allergens: Contains Wheat. Not suitable for those with wheat or gluten intolerance/celiac disease.
Dietary: Vegan ✓ | Gluten-Free ✗ (contains wheat) | Dairy-Free ✓ | Fat-Free ✓
Nutrition per serving (2 cherries with syrup / 30g): Calories 90 | Total Fat 0g | Sodium 0mg | Total Carbohydrate 23g | Total Sugars 17g (incl. 16g Added Sugars, 32% DV) | Protein 0g
Country of Origin: Product of Italy
Trust Block
HIOOL GOODS sources directly from Trader Joe's stores and ships from the US. Every product is carefully packed and supported by US-based customer service. No TJ's in your area? We've got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Trader Joe's Pitted Amarena Cherries?
They're Italian Amarena cherries — a specific variety of wild cherry from Italy known for their intensely concentrated, bittersweet flavor — packed in a rich dark syrup with stems intact. The jar is 16.2 oz (460g) with a drained weight of 7.4 oz (210g), about 15 servings at 2 cherries per serving. They're pitted (though the label cautions that pits may still be present) and ready to use as cocktail garnishes or dessert toppings straight from the jar. Product of Italy.
What do Amarena cherries taste like?
The label describes them as "very cherry" — which is the most accurate short description. They're intensely flavored, sweet, and tart with a slight bitterness that comes from the Amarena variety itself. The flavor is more concentrated and complex than fresh sweet cherries or standard maraschino cherries. The syrup carries the same intensity and is worth using on its own.
Are these the same as maraschino cherries?
No — they're significantly different. Standard maraschino cherries are bleached, dyed red, and flavored with almond extract. Amarena cherries are a specific Italian variety with a natural, intensely cherry flavor. They're darker, firmer, and far more flavorful. Bartenders and pastry chefs who use Amarena cherries consider them in a different category entirely.
What cocktails use Amarena cherries?
The classic applications are Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Negroni, and any cocktail that traditionally calls for a cherry garnish. The stem makes them easy to place and retrieve. The syrup can also be used as a cocktail sweetener in place of simple syrup for a cherry-forward variation.
Are they gluten-free?
No. The ingredients include Glucose-Fructose Syrup (Wheat), and the label states "Contains Wheat." These are not suitable for anyone with celiac disease or a wheat/gluten intolerance.
Are they vegan?
Yes. The ingredients are all plant-derived: cherries, sugar, glucose-fructose syrup, sour cherry juice, hibiscus and carrot extract, citric acid, and natural flavoring.
Are they really pitted?
They are labeled as pitted, but the packaging includes a caution: "Cherries may contain pits." Eat carefully, especially when serving to children or using in applications where biting into a pit would be unexpected.
Is this a seasonal product?
Trader Joe's Amarena Cherries have been a consistent offering but can vary in availability. They tend to be popular during the holiday season and cocktail season. Stock up when you find them.
How many cherries are in the jar?
About 15 servings at 2 cherries per serving — approximately 30 cherries total, though this can vary by size. The drained weight is 7.4 oz (210g).
What can I do with the syrup?
The syrup is intensely flavored and worth using. Stir into sparkling water for a cherry soda, use as a cocktail sweetener, drizzle over pancakes or waffles, spoon over ice cream, reduce into a sauce for duck or pork, or mix into a vinaigrette for a cherry-forward salad dressing.
How should I store them after opening?
Refrigerate after opening and consume within 90 days — both stated on the label. Keep the lid tightly closed between uses.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container with the syrup. Best used in cooked applications after freezing rather than as a fresh garnish.
Where is the best-by date?
Check the cap — the label states "Best Before: See Cap."
Can I buy Trader Joe's Amarena Cherries online?
Trader Joe's does not sell products online or ship directly. HIOOL GOODS sources authentic TJ's products from Trader Joe's stores and ships them nationwide across the US.
Do you ship to my state?
Yes — HIOOL GOODS ships to all 50 US states.
How long does shipping take?
Typically 2–5 business days depending on your location.
Can I order multiple products in one order?
Yes — mix and match any Trader Joe's products available on HIOOL GOODS in a single order.
How is the glass jar protected during shipping?
Glass jars are packed with protective cushioning to prevent breakage in transit. We take extra care with fragile items.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Contact our US-based customer service team and we'll make it right.
How do I use these in baking?
Drain the cherries and pat dry before folding into batter to prevent excess moisture. Use in Black Forest cake layers, cherry clafoutis, cherry tarts, brownies, or as a topping for cheesecake. The syrup can be brushed onto cake layers for added flavor.
What cheeses pair well with these?
Aged Gouda, Manchego, sharp cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. The sweet-tart intensity of the cherries cuts through rich, fatty cheeses and complements sharp, crystalline ones.
Is this good for gifting?
Yes — the jar itself is visually striking with its cherry-print label and distinctive shape. It's a thoughtful gift for cocktail enthusiasts, home bakers, cheese board builders, or anyone who entertains. Pair with a bottle of bourbon or rye for a cocktail-themed gift set.
Why are Amarena cherries so expensive at specialty stores?
Premium Italian Amarena cherry brands like Fabbri can cost $20–30+ for a similar-sized jar at specialty food stores. Trader Joe's sources a comparable product at a significantly lower price point — which is why this jar tends to sell out quickly when it's in stock.
What other Trader Joe's products pair well with these?
Fans of these cherries also use Trader Joe's Vanilla Ice Cream (for an instant sundae), Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate (for a cherry-chocolate pairing), and Trader Joe's Brie (for a cheese board combination).
