Definition : Guinette

Guinette is a term that can describe many different things. Here, we take a look at the guinette as a fruit, its transformation into a famous brandy, and its use in the world of dark chocolate. So, without further ado, let's dive into the surprising and tasty world of guinette.

The guinette as a fruit

First of all, the guinette is a small fruit that looks very much like an ordinary cherry. It's actually a specific type of cherry called"Prunus cerasus". The guinette is mainly grown in certain French regions such as the départements, but also in neighboring countries such as Belgium and Germany. Its skin is slightly darker than that of conventional cherries, with a violet tinge. The flesh is also juicier, sweeter and slightly acidic.

How to recognize a guinette?

Size: Guinettes are generally slightly smaller than ordinary cherries, with a diameter of around one centimeter.
Color: The skin of guinettes is dark, almost black for ripe fruit. Classic cherries are usually bright or dark red.
Taste: If you're lucky enough to be able to taste them, guinettes are sweeter, juicier and slightly tart than the usual cherries.

Since these characteristics can vary according to growing conditions and the ripeness of the fruit, the best way to know if you're dealing with a guinette is to taste it directly!

Guinette in brandy form

In addition to its use as a fruit, the guinette is also transformed into a popular brandy called"kirsch". This alcoholic beverage is obtained by distilling the fermented fruit. Its name comes from two German words: "Kirsche", meaning cherry, and "wasser" (water), conveying the idea of "cherry water". Kirsch is traditionally consumed in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Austria, but also in France and Belgium.

Kirsch production

Kirsch is produced in several stages:

Harvesting guinettes: between June and August, growers harvest the fruit at the ideal time for ripening.
Fermentation: The guinettes are then placed in vats where they ferment thanks to the presence of yeast and natural sugars. This stage lasts about two weeks.
Distillation: Once fermentation is complete, the fruit is distilled to separate the alcohol from the rest of the mixture. The result is a colorless, transparent eau-de-vie with a pronounced cherry flavor.
Ageing: Kirsch is then aged in oak or beech barrels for a few months to refine its taste and obtain its characteristic amber color.

Kirsch tasting

Kirsch can be enjoyed in many different ways:

Pure: served chilled in a liqueur glass, it is best enjoyed as is to fully appreciate its fruity aromas.
In cocktails: perfect with other ingredients such as orange juice, grenadine syrup or lemonade.
In the kitchen: kirsch is often used to flavor pastries such as fromage blanc cakes, charlottes and chocolate fondues.

Dark chocolate guinette

The guinette has also become famous for its encounter with dark chocolate. Indeed, some of the world's leading chocolate houses offer chocolate bonbons filled with guinette. These are commonly knownas "guinettes" or"kirsch cherries". These confections are highly appreciated for their subtle combination of the fruity, slightly tart flavor of guinettes and the characteristic bitterness of dark chocolate.

Making chocolate guinettes

These delicious sweets are made in the following stages:

Soaking: first of all, the guinette cherries are carefully selected and soaked in kirsch for several days to absorb its aromas.
Glaze: next, the drained guinettes are dipped in cooked and rapidly cooled sugar to obtain a crunchy, translucent glaze, which also preserves the fruit better.
Coating: finally, after drying for a few hours, the glazed guinettes are coated with a thick layer of quality dark chocolate, to perfect their taste and preservation.

So it's clear that the guinette holds an important place in gastronomy, from simple fruit to the famous kirsch brandy and succulent chocolate confectionery. The guinette has not finished surprising us with its versatility and delicious flavours!