Fruits in Syrup: Selection for Pastries & Cocktails

Whether you're elevating a cake, creating a signature cocktail, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, fruits in syrup are an essential ally to keep in your pantry. But faced with a jungle of labels, it's not always easy to find the hidden gem that will truly transform your recipes.

As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my mission is to guide you. In this article, I'll share my tips for choosing the right fruits in syrup and a selection of high-quality products, whether you're a home baker, an aspiring mixologist, or just have a sweet tooth.

How to Choose Your Fruits in Syrup??

Before we get to our selection, here are a few key points to check to ensure you make the right choice and guarantee the success of all your creations.

1. Decode the Ingredient List

Simplicity is often a hallmark of quality. A short ingredient list is a good sign: fruits, water, sugar, and perhaps a natural acidifier like citric acid. Steer clear of endless lists that hide artificial flavours and unnecessary preservatives. The fruit percentage is also crucial information: the higher it is, the more generous and flavourful the product will be.

2. Match the Fruit to Its Intended Use

Not all fruits in syrup are suited for the same purposes. Your choice will depend on your culinary project:

• For baking: If you're looking for baking fruits that hold up well to heat, like in a clafoutis or an upside-down cake, firm-fleshed fruits like pears or apricots are ideal.
• As a dessert topping: For an elegant dessert topping on a panna cotta or ice cream, Amarena cherries or more delicate fruits are perfect.
• As a cocktail ingredient: A good cocktail ingredient should add both flavour and aesthetic appeal. Amarena cherries are a timeless classic for Manhattans or Old Fashioneds, while lychees in syrup are perfect for putting an exotic twist on a spritz or a gin and tonic.
• For exotic flavours: Canned coconut or lychees are ideal for recreating Asian desserts or adding a tropical note to a fruit salad.

3. Understand the Difference with Candied Fruits

Be careful not to confuse fruits in syrup with candied fruits. The former are preserved in a sugary liquid, which allows them to maintain a tender and juicy texture. The latter are saturated with sugar through a slow cooking process; their texture is denser and they have a longer shelf life, making them perfect for fruitcakes or nougats.

Recommended Fruits in Syrup

Now for our selection of top picks, chosen for their quality, taste, and versatility in the kitchen.

MONT ASIE Lychees in Syrup 567g

Why this product stands out: These lychees in syrup from MONT ASIE are notable for their generous fruit content of 45%. The lychees, selected for their quality, are plump and translucent, bathing in a light syrup that preserves their distinctive floral aroma. They retain a tender and juicy texture, very close to the fresh fruit.

Key Features:

• Simply ready to use.
• Juicy texture and well-preserved floral flavour.
• Ultra-versatile: desserts, drinks, or a refreshing snack.
• High fruit content (45%).

Who is it for? Ideal for fans of Asian cuisine who want to prepare authentic desserts, or for those looking to add a quick, exotic touch to their fruit salads, yoghurts, or cocktails.

Sunlee Coconut in Syrup 565g

Why this product stands out: This canned coconut from Sunlee contains tender pieces of young coconut preserved in a light syrup. Originating from Thailand, this product offers a texture that is both soft and slightly crisp, very different from dried shredded coconut. It's a prime ingredient for adding a pleasant chewiness and an authentic tropical flavour.

Key Features:

• Tender and pleasant texture of young coconut.
• Perfect for bubble teas, ice creams, or Asian desserts.
• Originating from Thailand, a guarantee of authentic flavours.
• Ready to use once drained.

Who is it for? A must-have for homemade bubble tea creators, bakers who love to explore textures, or anyone who wants to add an original, tropical dimension to their drinks and desserts.

Fabbri Amarena Cherries in Syrup 230g

Why this product stands out: Fabbri's Amarena cherries are a true Italian institution. They are semi-candied wild cherries, bathing in a rich and flavourful syrup. The recipe, true to tradition, uses 40% wild cherries and wild cherry juice for an intense and complex taste that is both sweet and slightly tart. The product is gluten-free and presented in its iconic opaline glass jar.

Key Features:

• Authentic and intense taste, from a traditional Italian recipe.
• The star ingredient for garnishing and flavouring desserts and cocktails.
• Gluten-free product.
• Unique texture, halfway between fruit in syrup and candied fruit.

Who is it for? Essential for amateur mixologists who want to craft classic cocktails with a touch of refinement. It is also the top choice for lovers of Italian pastry and anyone looking for an exceptional dessert topping to elevate a simple vanilla ice cream or Greek yoghurt.

Looking for Other Options??

This selection is just a taste of the possibilities. If you're looking for other varieties like pears, peaches, or apricots, or if you simply want to explore other formats, you'll certainly find what you're looking for in our full catalogue.

? Discover our full range of fruits in syrup and preserves

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What's the difference between fruits in syrup and candied fruits?? Fruits in syrup are cooked and preserved in a sugar syrup, which allows them to retain a tender and juicy texture. Candied fruits, on the other hand, undergo a longer process where the water in the fruit is gradually replaced by sugar, giving them a denser texture and a very sweet flavour. They are mainly used in baking, such as in fruitcakes or brioches.

2. How can I use the leftover syrup in the can?? Whatever you do, don't throw it away! This syrup is a concentrate of flavour. You can use it to sweeten an iced tea, as a base for a unique vinaigrette, to soak a cake, or as a sweetening ingredient in a cocktail. It's an excellent way to reduce waste while adding a gourmet touch.

3. How long do fruits in syrup last after opening?? Once the can is opened, be sure to transfer the fruit and its syrup to an airtight glass or plastic container. Stored in the refrigerator, they generally keep for 3 to 5 days. Always trust your sense of smell and the appearance of the product before consuming it.