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PICKLED SURINAM CHERRIES FROM MY GARDEN

Surinam cherries, botanically classified as Eugenia uniflora, are tropical fruits belonging to the Myrtaceae family. The small, flattened fruits grow on evergre...
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Surinam cherries, botanically classified as Eugenia uniflora, are tropical fruits belonging to the Myrtaceae family. The small, flattened fruits grow on evergreen shrubs or small trees, reaching between 7 to 9 meters in height, and thrive in tropical ubtropical climates worldwide. Surinam cherries are native to South America, but the fast-growing, hardy plant has readily naturalized worldwide due to being planted as an ornamental in home garden landscapes. Despite their “cherry” moniker, Surinam cherries are not botanically a cherry and are fast-ripening fruits that mature in approximately three weeks after flowering. There are two main varieties, a dark red crimson cultivar and a more common blue-red varietal, and both types must be consumed only when ripe. Surinam cherries are also known as Brazilian cherries, Florida cherries, Cayenne cherries, and Pitanga cherries. Historically, the plants were grown as an ornamental hedge, but some consumers gather the fruits as a culinary ingredient and incorporate them into baked goods, desserts, preserves, and sauces.

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