Sqirl LA: Andy's Black Cherry & StrawberryFruit Spread

Candied, seductive, vibrant. 
About the Fruit 
Black Republican cherries are the orphans of cherries—while its origins of its hybridity are unknown, it is one of the parents of the Bing cherry, and was first grown in Oregon in the late 1800’s by an Abolitionist horticulturist named Seth Lewelling. Due to the popularity of the Bing cherry, Black Republicans are now considered rare and endangered. Lucky for us, they are great for preserving, as they are small and firm with a rich purple color and flavor. But, they only fruit for about three weeks—so we make sure to make as much as possible during this time! 
Black Tartarian cherries ar small and soft, but deep purple-black, with an intense, distinctive flavor reminiscent of ripe blackberries. Introduced by Prince Potemkin, the paramour of Catherine the Great, from Asia Minor after the conquest of the Crimea; from Russia it was brought to England c. 1794. Used as a pollinizer, but prized by connoisseurs. Andy holds off on water before harvest, so that their Tartarians tighten up and get firmer, and the flavor gets more intense. Very dark and ripe. Two weeks and then...done.
Albion strawberries, relatively new California hybrids, are everbearing and sweet and firm and bright red and are thus perfect for our popular strawberry flavors.  
Origins
This medley is quite the technical feat! Both cherries and strawberries have the least amount of pectin, so it takes careful presence and precision to make sure the texture is  just right—not over or undercooked. 
Both varieties of cherries come from Andy’s Orchard, and the Albion strawberries come from Rick's Produce. 
Ingredients
*Cherries, *strawberries, *cane sugar, * lemon juice
*certified organic