Cherry Pie Plant: Grow & Use This Unique Herb

Cherry pie plant, also known as cherry pie heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), is a fragrant herb with a sweet, cherry-vanilla aroma and flavor. Its small purple flowers and leaves can be used to infuse desserts, teas, and syrups with a delightful, fruity note. This article explains how to grow and harvest this unique plant, and how to use it safely in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (about 20 g) fresh cherry pie plant leaves and flowers, loosely packed
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice (optional, to brighten flavor)

Instructions

1. Gently rinse the cherry pie plant leaves and flowers under cool running water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the cherry pie plant leaves and flowers, pressing them down slightly to submerge. If using lemon juice, stir it in now.
4. Cover the saucepan and let the mixture steep for 15 minutes. The liquid will turn a pale golden color and smell strongly of cherry-vanilla.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar or bottle, discarding the plant material. Press gently on the solids to extract all the liquid.
6. Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate.

Tips

• Substitution: If you cannot find cherry pie plant, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract plus 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract for a similar flavor profile, though it won’t have the same floral complexity.
• Storage: The infused syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Common mistake: Do not boil the leaves and flowers directly in the syrup; boiling can bring out bitter notes. Always steep off-heat.
• Harvesting: Pick leaves and flowers from a healthy plant that has not been treated with pesticides. The best time to harvest is in the morning after dew has dried, when essential oils are most concentrated.

Serving Suggestions

Use the cherry pie plant syrup to sweeten iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water. Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. It also makes a lovely glaze for pound cake or a flavoring for homemade whipped cream (just add a tablespoon to 1 cup of heavy cream before whipping).

Variations

• Cherry Pie Plant Simple Syrup with Spices: Add a cinnamon stick and a star anise to the syrup while steeping for a warm, spiced version.
• Cherry Pie Plant Honey: Replace the sugar with 1 cup (340 g) mild honey and use only 1/2 cup (120 ml) water. Heat gently just until honey dissolves, then steep as directed.
• Alcohol-Free Cherry Pie Plant Soda: Mix 2 tablespoons of the syrup with 1 cup (240 ml) club soda and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cherry pie plant syrup in a tightly sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place the desired amount in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently, until warm—do not boil. Alternatively, microwave in 10-second bursts. For longer storage, freeze the syrup in ice cube trays for up to 3 months; thaw cubes in the refrigerator overnight before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat cherry pie plant leaves raw? Yes, the leaves and flowers are edible, but they have a strong, perfumed flavor. Use them sparingly in salads or as a garnish. They are best used in small amounts to avoid overpowering a dish.

Is cherry pie plant safe for everyone? The plant contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful in large quantities over time. Use it occasionally and in culinary amounts—like a few leaves or flowers per serving—rather than as a daily herb. Pregnant women and people with liver conditions should avoid consuming it.

Can I use dried cherry pie plant instead of fresh? Yes, but the flavor is less vibrant. Use about half the amount of dried leaves and flowers, and steep for 20 minutes instead of 15.

Why is my syrup bitter? Bitterness usually comes from boiling the leaves or steeping for too long. Always steep off-heat and stick to the 15-minute time. Also, remove any stems, which can be more bitter than leaves and flowers.

Can I grow cherry pie plant indoors? Yes, it grows well in a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. It prefers well-draining soil and consistent moisture. Pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

What does cherry pie plant taste like? It has a sweet, cherry-like flavor with distinct vanilla and almond notes. The aroma is often compared to cherry pie filling, hence the common name.

Related

• Pollo al Ajillo Recipe (Spanish Garlic Chicken)
• Pumpkin Brioche Bread Recipe: Soft & Buttery
• Is Brioche Bread Healthy? Nutrition Facts

More recipes to cook

• Japanese Cheesecake Recipe: Cotton Soft & Fluffy2 hr 10 min
• Japanese Cheesecake Chinatown-Style Recipe2 hr 35 min
• Japanese Cheesecake Carrington: Fluffy Recipe2 hr 45 min
• Japanese Cheesecake Recipe: Soft & Fluffy2 hr 30 min
• Japanese Cheesecake Bellaire: Fluffy Recipe2 hr 30 min
• Japanese Cheesecake Calgary: Fluffy Recipe2 hr 15 min
• Japanese Cheesecake Calories: A Full Recipe Guide1 hr 40 min
• Japanese Cheesecake Austin: Fluffy Recipe2 hr 45 min

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).