Does Sourcherry Preserve contain dairy or gluten?

No, the ingredient list provided shows no dairy (milk, butter) or gluten-containing grains. It is suitable for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

Is Sourcherry Preserve good for weight loss?

Due to the high concentration of sugar and glucose, it is calorie-dense. It is not ideal for strict weight loss plans but can be enjoyed in small amounts.

Where can I buy Sourcherry Preserve?

Sourcherry preserves are widely available at major supermarkets, specialty European food stores, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Sourcherry Preserve safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. However, due to the high sugar content, it should be given in moderation to prevent energy spikes and dental issues.

Is Sourcherry Preserve Kosher?

Yes, Sourcherry Preserve is generally considered Kosher. Based on the standard ingredient profile—sour cherries, sugar, glucose, citric acid, and pectin—there are no animal-derived ingredients or wine-based additives that would violate Kosher laws. This analysis explores the specific chemical breakdown to ensure your spread is compliant with dietary restrictions.

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this preserve is safe for a Kosher diet, we need to look at the source of each component. While fruit is naturally Kosher (Pareve), processed preserves often contain additives that require scrutiny. Fortunately, this specific formulation appears clean.

The primary ingredient is Sourcherry, which is a fruit and inherently Kosher. The sweeteners, sugar and glucose, are plant-derived carbohydrates. In the world of food science, glucose is often derived from corn or tapioca, making it a safe bet for avoiding animal-based bone char processing sometimes found in refined white sugar.

Next, we have the acidity regulator: citric acid. Historically, citric acid was produced using a mold called Aspergillus niger grown on a starch medium, usually corn or molasses. It is not derived from citrus fruit peels (which can sometimes involve animal enzymes) and is universally accepted as Kosher. Finally, the thickener: pectin is a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. It is the standard gelling agent for jams and is strictly plant-based, posing no risk to Kosher observers.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Sourcherry Preserve is a concentrated source of energy, primarily derived from carbohydrates. The combination of natural fruit sugars and added sugar and glucose creates a high-glycemic food. While it provides a quick energy boost, portion control is essential for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Regarding fat content, this preserve is virtually fat-free, which is typical for fruit jams. However, because the fruit is cooked down with sugar, the fiber density is lower than eating fresh sour cherries. If you are managing a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, this preserve would likely exceed daily limits due to the sugar and glucose content. For the general population, it fits well within a balanced diet as a condiment rather than a main food source.