Registration Requirements: Preregistration required.

Recommended Audience: This program is designed for adults 21 and over.

Program Description: Whether you’re a foodie, forager, or native gardener, expanding your knowledge of plant chemistry can create new opportunities. Celebrate our very own native wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) as you make your own Amarenillo, a liqueur of black cherry leaves using a base of heavy red wine.

We’ll draw from different time periods and traditions around the globe as we showcase how humans have processed cherry leaves and pits to enjoy all the bitter almond flavor with none of the cyanide that protects cherry trees from being eaten by insects and grazing animals.

You’ll leave this class with:

• A taste of finished aged wild black cherry leaf liqueur
• A sampling of conservation-inspired foraged charcuterie
• An understanding of why our native cherry trees are #2 (after oaks) as food for butterflies and moths
• A “blow your culinary mind” taste of wild black cherry pit cake and several other gastronomic revelations that cherry pits can create
• Your own jar makes about a ½ liter of wild black cherry leaf liqueur when finished. (You’ll add sugar at home). All told, the process takes 10 days, plus three months of aging—if you can wait that long.

Program Leader: A 25+ year veteran of Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC), Jason Neumann currently serves as public programs manager, crafting experiences that immerse visitors in nature and leading interpretive trainings. He works towards translating CNC’s “plant native” initiative into visitor engagement opportunities and has a special interest in connecting people to nature through food. Growing up on a small farm sparked his deep interest in agriculture which was fanned to flame through a BS degree in Crop and Soil Sciences (Michigan State University), and later a graduate certificate in Agroforestry (University of Missouri – Columbia). Drawing from the perspective of a farmer/naturalist, he seeks to work with nature whether in his suburban backyard operation called Someday Farm, the CNC Edible Plants and Foraging Group (founded in 2013), or managing the native perennial polyculture plots and native 2-acre pawpaw grove at Long Branch Farm & Trails. Jason is on the board of the Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association.

What to Expect: This indoor class will be a blend of classroom instruction/cooking demo and a short (optional) cherry leaf harvesting foray. One wild black cherry leaf liqueur starter kit included with each class registration (makes about ½ liter when finished).

Note: Remember to always ask permission of the landowner before foraging/harvesting. Foraging at Cincinnati Nature Center is reserved for classes and programs only, or those given permission by a staff member.

If you have any canning jars and would be willing to donate them, we’ll use them for a variety of projects. We’re looking for these sizes: 4 oz, and narrow mouth 8 oz (1/2 pint), 16 oz (1 pint), and 1/2 gallon Mason jars as well as rings for the lids. Please bring them along when you come.

Accessibility: We do our best to make our programs accessible to everyone when possible. If you have an accessibility question or need, please feel free to reach out to front desk staff at (513) 831 1711.

Where to Meet: This program meets at our Groesbeck Estate at our Rowe Woods location.

Cost: Member adult $30; nonmember adult $40 (includes daily admission).

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What does Amarenillo taste like?

• Amarenillo (cherry leaf liqueur) tastes similar to amaretto (which is made with peach stones, apricot kernels, or almonds) except the almond flavor is derived from cherry leaves. It’s a velvety, rich cherry-flavored drink.

What can I do with Amarenillo once it’s finished?

• Traditionally, Amarenillo is served chilled as an aperitif but it can also be used in/on desserts.

By registering below, you agree to the following:

Pet Policy for Programs: For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed at programs or events. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. Therapy animals, whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support, do not qualify as service animals. For more information about pets on our grounds, please see our pet policies on our website.

Cancellation Policy: Please note that cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. All programs continue, rain or shine. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued.

Program Policy: Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program.

Media Release: All participants (18 and older) associated with this transaction grant permission to Cincinnati Nature Center to utilize images, likenesses, actions, or statements in any form taken during a visit to the Nature Center, at a Nature Center sponsored event, or virtual presentation for the purpose of promoting the Nature Center in perpetuity.