What is a "Marasca cherry"?

The Marasca cherry is a small, dark red to black fruit that grows on the Marasca cherry tree, primarily found in Croatia and Italy. It is a variety of sour cherry known for its tart flavor and intense aroma. Marasca cherries are typically harvested when fully ripe and used to produce Maraschino liqueur, a traditional Croatian and Italian spirit. The fruit itself is rarely consumed fresh due to its sourness and is primarily used in the production of liqueurs, syrups, and preserves. Valued for their unique flavor, Marasca cherries are essential in various culinary and beverage applications, particularly in the production of Maraschino cherries and other cherry-flavored products.