Vibrant Wild Berry Compote: A Sweet Way to Preserve Seasonal Fruit
How to Make Delicious Wild Berry Compote
Wild berries are in season from June to July! If you find they spoil too quickly to enjoy fresh, try making a compote to preserve their wonderful flavor and aroma for longer. This recipe will guide you through making a versatile wild berry compote that’s perfect for toast, yogurt, desserts, and more.
Basic Ingredients- 255g Fresh Wild Berries
- 90g Granulated Sugar (or brown sugar)
Flavor Boost (Optional)- 3 Tbsp Honey (optional)
- 3 Tbsp Honey (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your glass jars for storing the compote. Sterilize them by boiling in water for about 5 minutes, then thoroughly dry them with a clean towel or paper towels. Sterilized jars are crucial for keeping your compote fresh.
Step 2
Gently rinse the fresh wild berries under cool running water. Be careful not to wash them too vigorously, as they can easily break apart.
Step 3
After washing, carefully spread the wild berries on a layer of paper towels. Gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Any remaining water can make the compote too thin.
Step 4
Add the sugar to the dried wild berries. The sugar will help draw out the berries’ juices and act as a preservative. Gently toss or fold the berries with a spatula or your hands to coat them evenly. Avoid mashing them at this stage.
Step 5
If you’d like to add an extra layer of flavor and a healthier sweetness, stir in the honey. It will impart a subtle aroma and natural sweetness. You can omit the honey if you prefer. If using honey, mix it gently with the berries and sugar.
Step 6
Transfer the mixture of wild berries, sugar, and optional honey to a saucepan. Cook over medium-low to low heat for about 6 minutes. Letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before cooking helps the sugar dissolve and release more juice from the berries.
Step 7
As the compote cooks, you’ll notice the berries breaking down and losing their shape. Don’t worry! Wild berries are delicate and tend to disintegrate when cooked, which is exactly what you want for a compote. Gently break up any large lumps as it simmers.
Step 8
Carefully spoon the warm compote into the sterilized glass jars. Fill them to the brim and seal tightly. Invert the jars after sealing to create a vacuum seal, which helps preserve the compote for longer. Your delicious wild berry compote is ready! Let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator and enjoying it with your favorite foods.
