Make and Take: Wild Black Cherry Leaf Liqueur at Long Branch Farm and Trails

Whether you’re a foodie, forager, or native gardener, expanding your knowledge of plant chemistry can create new opportunities. Celebrate our very own native wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) as you make your own Amarenillo, a liqueur of black cherry leaves using a base of heavy red wine.  

We’ll draw from different time periods and traditions around the globe as we showcase how humans have processed cherry leaves and pits to enjoy all the bitter almond flavor with none of the cyanide that protects cherry trees from being eaten by insects and grazing animals.  

You’ll leave this class with:  

A taste of finished aged wild black cherry leaf liqueur.
A sampling of conservation-inspired foraged charcuterie.
An understanding of why our native cherry trees are #2 (after oaks) as food for butterflies and moths.
A “blow your culinary mind” taste of wild black cherry pit cake and several other gastronomic revelations that cherry pits can create.
Your own ½ liter jar of wild black cherry leaf liqueur, when finished. (You’ll add sugar at home. The process takes 10 days, plus three months of aging—if you can wait that long.)

What to Expect: This indoor class will be a blend of classroom instruction/cooking demo, and a short (optional) cherry leaf harvesting foray. One wild black cherry leaf liqueur starter kit is included with each class registration (makes about ½ liter when finished).  

What does Amarenillo taste like? Amarenillo (cherry leaf liqueur) tastes similar to amaretto (which is made with peach stones, apricot kernels, or almonds) except the almond flavor is derived from cherry leaves. It’s a velvety, rich cherry-flavored drink.
What can I do with Amarenillo once it’s finished? Traditionally, Amarenillo is served chilled as an aperitif, but it can also be used in/on desserts.

Restrooms are available throughout the program.
This program is mostly indoors.
Program runs rain or shine.

What to Wear: Dress to head out on the trail to harvest cherry leaves. As we are utilizing an unheated barn, please dress for the weather.

Where to Meet: Registered participants will meet at the Creekside Barn at our Long Branch Farm & Trails location. (6926 Gaynor Rd, Goshen, OH 45122)

Registration Requirements: Preregistration required.  

Intended Audience: This program is designed for adults 21+.

Cost: Ticket fees include daily admission.

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