Yellow cherry compote

Yellow Cherry Compote – A Sweet Delight for Winter

Total preparation time: 1 hour (about 20 minutes for preparation, 15-17 minutes for sterilization)
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 ml

Who doesn’t love summer when cherries are in full season, delighting us with their sweetness? Yellow cherry compote is an excellent way to preserve the taste of these delicious fruits for winter. Besides being a simple recipe, it’s also an opportunity to add a touch of magic to cold winter evenings, allowing you to enjoy the aroma of spring in every jar.

A Little Story About Cherries

Yellow cherries are delicate fruits, full of flavor and very healthy. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When we think of compote, we remember the moments spent with family, the joy of opening a jar, and savoring a familiar taste. Yellow cherry compote can be used both as a dessert and as an ingredient for various recipes. It can be added to cakes, tarts, or even as a filling for pancakes.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1.5 kg fresh whole yellow cherries, blemish-free
- 1 kg sugar
- 600 ml water

Necessary Equipment

- Glass jars with lids (preferably 400 ml)
- Large pot for sterilization
- Skimmer (optional, to remove impurities)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring utensils

Step by Step: How to Prepare Yellow Cherry Compote

Step 1: Preparing the Cherries

1. Selecting the cherries: Choose fresh, flavorful yellow cherries, free of blemishes or defects. Make sure they are ripe but not too soft.
2. Washing: Wash the cherries under cold running water, then let them drain in a colander. It’s important to remove any impurities.
3. Removing stems: Using kitchen scissors or your hands, remove the stems from the cherries.

Step 2: Preparing the Syrup

1. Preparing the syrup: In a pot, add the sugar and water. Place it over low heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar completely dissolves. It’s essential not to let the syrup boil too hard, just to melt the sugar.
2. Checking the consistency: Once the sugar has dissolved, let the syrup cool slightly, but not completely.

Step 3: Filling the Jars

1. Arranging the cherries: Carefully distribute the cherries into the jars. Place them evenly without pressing down, so they don’t get damaged. Fill each jar almost to the top.
2. Adding the syrup: Use a wide-mouth cup or ladle to pour the warm syrup over the cherries. Make sure the syrup completely covers the fruits, leaving about 1 cm space from the top of the jar.

Step 4: Sterilizing the Jars

1. Closing the jars: Place the lids on the jars and seal them well, but not too tightly.
2. Sterilizing: Place the jars in a large pot filled with water, ensuring they are completely covered. Boil on low heat for 15-17 minutes. This process will destroy bacteria and help preserve the compote.
3. Cooling the jars: Once the sterilization time is up, remove the jars and let them cool to room temperature. You can use a wooden rack to avoid direct contact with the hot surface.

Step 5: Storing the Compote

1. Labeling the jars: After they have cooled completely, wipe the jars with a damp cloth and label them with the date and contents. This step is important to know what you have in your pantry.
2. Storing: Place the jars in a cool, dark place, preferably in a pantry or cellar. The yellow cherry compote is ready to be enjoyed in the winters to come!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Yellow cherry compote is versatile and can be used in many ways. Here are some suggestions:

- Simple dessert: Serve it with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt for a quick and delicious dessert.
- Culinary use: Use it as a filling for pies or tarts.
- Cocktails: Add it to refreshing drinks or cocktails to bring a touch of sweetness and acidity.

For an even more complex flavor, you can add a few cinnamon sticks, a splash of vanilla extract, or lemon zest to the syrup. These will transform the compote into a true delicacy.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A jar of yellow cherry compote (about 400 ml) has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the sugar content. Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but you will need to thaw and drain them well before putting them in jars.

2. What should I do if the jars don’t seal?
If you notice that a jar is not sealing properly, you can try to sterilize it again. If that doesn’t work, it’s better to consume it shortly.

3. What is the shelf life of the compote?
If stored under ideal conditions, yellow cherry compote can last up to 1 year.

In concluding this recipe, I hope you found inspiration and joy in every step of the preparation. Yellow cherry compote is not just a simple recipe but a way to bring summer into every winter. Enjoy it with loved ones and cherish the moments spent together!