It’s so hard to believe today is the first day of March but it is and it’s a teaching day for me when it comes to the #foodholiday were sharing on March 1st National Fruit Compote Day #NationalFruitCompoteDay. I don’t know about you but I wasn’t sure what Fruit Compote day was.
I had to go and look up Fruit Compote online which turned today’s #Holiday into a learning lesson for me. If I had been #Homeschooling Charlie full time we would have studied #FruitCompote and tried it with my family. My question for you is do you know what Fruit Compote is and have you tried it?
What is a Fruit Compote?
In the culinary arts, a Compote refers to fresh, canned or dried Fruit that has been stewed in a Syrup of Sugar and other flavorings.
The Fruit in a Compote is cut into chunks. When a Compote is made with dried Fruit, the Fruit is typically soaked in Water first to soften it. Compote recipes sometimes include Wine, Brandy, Rum or Liqueur. Fruit Compote is frequently made from combinations of Figs, Pears, Apples, Plums, Berries and Rhubarb. Compote recipes usually include other flavorings, including Vanilla, Cinnamon, Citrus Peels and Cloves.
How to Make a Simple Fruit Compote
There are plenty of recipes for Fruit Compote on the internet, and it is wise to follow a specific recipe, but in general, a simple Fruit compote requires a selection of fresh Fruits, canned Fruit or softened dried Fruits.
You toss the Fruit into a saucepan or pot and add some liquid either juice, Wine or Syrup to get things going. Be careful you don’t add too much liquid as the Fruit will release its own moisture as it heats. If some of the Fruit is sour-tasting, you should add Sugar to the pot.
Add more flavor using Ginger, Cinnamon or Vanilla to taste. Simmer the Fruit in the pot, stirring occasionally, trying not to crush all the Fruit. About 15 minutes later, your Compote will be thick and ready to come off the heat.
How to Serve Fruit Compotes
People know Compotes are delicious served all by themselves as a dessert at the end of a meal but Compotes are usually served warm but sometimes chilled. Compotes can also be used as the star ingredient in other dishes.
Here are some ways to include Fruit Compote in your menu:
Spoon a Compote of Cherries, Red Grapes and Strawberries which would be a red Compote over black Currant Syrup and garnish with sweetened Whipped Cream.
Spoon Raspberry Compote over Pound Cake or Ice Cream
You could serve a Compote made with Apricots, Raisins, dried Cherries, Apples, Pears and Marsala Wine with a selection of Cheeses for a luxurious dessert course
Now don’t forget National Fruit Compote Day is on March 1st, so you can indulge in this delicious mix of Fruit and Sugar. Fruit Compote is enjoyed as dessert, or as an addition to breakfast. In Medieval times, the belief was Fruit stewed in melted Sugar kept the humidity in a human body at optimum levels. Compote originates from the Latin word for mixture, ‘Compositus
A Comote is simple and sweet, and a Fruit Compote is a treat for the senses. There is a debate if Fruit Compote is a Fruit Sauce, with the main ingredients being chopped Fruit stirred in Sugar Syrup. The Syrup is prepared by adding Fruit to melted Sugar; the mixture is then combined till it forms a nice consistency. This concoction can be enjoyed by itself or spread on Toast, added to Smoothies, layered on top of Waffles, or paired with Granola.
The term Compote has Latin Roots, the recipe is from France. In the 17th century, Fruit Compote was considered a complete dessert and indulged in. As tasty as it is, the Compote was created for its health benefits.
The main idea behind this combination was the theory that Fruit mixed in warm Syrup neutralizes the humidity in one’s body. Originally intended to be used as a health remedy, Fruit Concoction soon became popular as a dessert.
In Medieval times, people started serving Fruit Compote at the end of meals, usually with Vegetable and Grain Soup as a side dish. The burst of sweet flavor was so well-loved that Compote became a must in all feasts. Presenting Compote on the table also signified the end of a feast.
Fruit Compote is still a popular dessert in many Countries around the world. An alternative would be Vegetable Compote, which is served as a type of Soup, or presented as a Spread. Fruit Compotes are enjoyed as desserts or as a topping.
National Fruit Compote Day Activities
- If you have the means and the opportunity today select your favorite Berries and other Fruit, and mix them in boiling Sugar Water to make Fruit compote at home. The amount of Sugar will depend on your preference, and you can even add Spices.
- Add Fruit Compote topping on Bread, Yogurt, Cereal, and more. Choose your winning combination.
- Share your love for Fruit Compote on Social Media and your friends and family will thank you.
Fruity Facts About Fruit Compote
- Fruit Compote can be served either hot or cold.
- Did you know some recipes use dry Fruit in their Compotes?
- There are two types of the sauce the Fruit Sauce can be Coulis which is pureed Fruit or the Compote can be a chunky Fruit.
- In Medieval times Compote was known to have healing benefits on the body.
- Fruit Compote is a key component in other dishes.
Why People Love National Fruit Compote Day
Compote is a great way to incorporate Fruit into a picky eater’s diet and one taste and they’ll be hooked! Looks like my family needs to try Fruit Compote today. Would you want to have some with us?
If you’ve got to get your daily intake of Fruity vitamins, there is no, better way to achieve that than by enjoying Fruit stirred in rich Sugar Syrup? Doesn’t that sound delicious?
Compote is versatile and Compote can be enjoyed by itself, or Compote can be added to other desserts, or Compote can be used as a topping.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
