How correctly to prepare compote?

Compote is difficult to call difficult in the preparation of a drink, but depending on what is its basis, there are a number of nuances that you need to know to get the maximum taste and aroma. The analysis of the latter we decided to devote this material.

How to cook compote of berries?

Berry compote is more complicated than the rest in cooking, the reason is simple - tender berry pulp is boiled faster than fresh fruit and, especially, dried fruits, and therefore, to get a really berry drink, you must follow a number of rules.

Firstly, a rich berry compote will be obtained only if the berries themselves are enough. On a liter of water, put a glass of fruits, peeled from the stones. Sugar, or any other sweetener, is always better to add to taste, as some berries are sweet enough in themselves. Fresh berries, peeled from the stems and bones, are completely put in an enamel saucepan, poured with water, and after boiling of the liquid, sugar is poured in, the heat is reduced and cooked for 10 minutes. The key point - compote should always have time to infuse before serving, preferably not less than 10-12 hours.

If compote wanted not in season, but you do not know how to properly cook compote of frozen berries , then this is not much more difficult: sprinkle the berries directly frozen, and cook the drink for 5 minutes longer. Since frozen fruits lose some of their taste, it is usually added a little citric acid (or natural lemon juice), as well as spices like cloves or cinnamon sticks.

How correctly to prepare a compote from dried fruits?

Perhaps the most popular variety of compotes is a compote of dried fruits , as the drink is available for cooking year-round, and the stocks of dried fruits can be stored for a long time.

Before cooking dried fruits, carefully rinse the fruits, and then soak for literally half an hour in barely warm water. Swollen dried fruits are put in boiling water, sugar is added to taste. To prepare a literal compote enough to throw in boiling water 100 grams of dried fruits (pears, prunes, apples, dried apricots, cranberries and others), pour a tablespoon of sugar. After half an hour of cooking under the lid, compote is removed from the heat and left to stand until it has cooled to room temperature.

How to cook compote for the winter?

If you decide to prepare a fruit or berry compote for the winter, then follow the above-described cooking schemes, but do not cool the drink, but directly hot pour it on sterile jars and roll.