Apricot compote

Apricot compote - a simple and delicious recipe to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round. This compote recipe is perfect for those who want to preserve fruits, and apricots provide a sweet-tart taste that delights the taste buds.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Storage time: 2 hours (including soaking time)
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars of 400 ml

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of ripe but firm apricots
- 4 tablespoons of sugar for each jar of compote
- Preservative (optional, depending on preferences)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the apricots: Start by washing the apricots well under a stream of cold water. Choose fresh fruits without spots or damage to obtain a high-quality compote. Once washed, cut the apricots in half and remove the pits. This is an important step as the pits can affect the final taste of the compote.

2. Soaking the apricots: Place the apricot halves in a large bowl of cold water and let them sit for about 2 hours. This process helps improve the texture of the fruits and removes any impurities. Make sure the fruits are completely submerged in water.

3. Preparing the jars: Sterilize the jars and lids you will use for the compote. You can do this by boiling them for 10 minutes or by washing them in the dishwasher at the highest temperature. Proper sterilization is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

4. Filling the jars: After the two hours of soaking, remove the apricots from the water and let them drain slightly. Then, fill each jar with the apricot halves, leaving a little space at the top. Add 4 tablespoons of sugar to each jar. The sugar not only sweetens the compote but also helps with preservation.

5. Adding water: Fill each jar with warm water, ensuring that the fruits are completely covered. It is important to use warm water to avoid thermal shock that could break the jars.

6. Sealing the jars: If using a preservative, add it according to the instructions on the label. Then, close the lids tightly, but not too forcefully, to allow air expansion during the pasteurization process.

7. Pasteurizing: Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water, ensuring that the water covers the jars by at least 2-3 cm. Boil for about 20-30 minutes. This step is essential to destroy microorganisms and keep the compote safe.

8. Cooling and storing: After pasteurization, remove the jars from the water and let them cool completely on a clean towel. Once cooled, store them in a dark and cool place.

The apricot compote recipe is versatile and can be adapted. You can experiment by adding flavorings such as cinnamon, vanilla, or a few mint leaves for extra flavor. You can also combine apricots with other fruits, such as peaches or plums, to create a mixed compote.

Serving: The apricot compote is perfect to be served as a dessert, added to yogurt, or used as a filling for cakes. You can also use the compote as a topping for ice cream or pancakes.

With this simple and delicious apricot compote recipe, you can savor the taste of summer even on cold winter days. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and share the results with your loved ones!