Blueberry compote is a simple yet delicious dessert topping or breakfast accompaniment made by cooking fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and water. The ingredients are minimal, allowing the natural flavors of the fruit to shine through. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this sweet and tangy blueberry treat.
Blueberries
Blueberries are the star ingredient in blueberry compote. You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. Fresh blueberries will provide the best flavor, but frozen are more convenient and available year-round. Select plump, ripe blueberries with a deep indigo color. Sort through and remove any stems or damaged berries. Rinse fresh blueberries just before use. If using frozen, let them thaw completely before cooking.
Sugar
Sugar is added to blueberry compote to balance and enhance the natural tartness of the berries. White granulated sugar is most commonly used. The amount added depends on how sweet you want the compote. Somewhere between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar per pint of blueberries is typical. You can use less sugar if you prefer a more tart compote. Other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can sub in for all or part of the granulated sugar.
Water
A small amount of water is used when cooking blueberry compote. About 1/4 cup per pint of berries is standard. The water helps create steam to soften the blueberries as they cook down into a saucy jam-like consistency. Too much water will make the compote too thin and runny. Too little may cause the berries to burn and stick to the pot.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is optional but highly recommended for blueberry compote. The acidity of the lemon brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness. Add the juice of half a lemon per pint of blueberries. You can adjust to taste based on how lemony you like your compote. Leaving out the lemon juice altogether will give you a sweeter, one-note flavor.
Spices and Flavorings
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves complement the flavor of blueberry compote. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen spices along with the blueberries, sugar and water. Vanilla extract, grated lemon or orange zest also make tasty mix-ins. For a visual pop, try a pinch of dried lavender buds. Get creative with your own blend of spices and herbs.
Cornstarch
For a thicker consistency, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch at the end of cooking. The cornstarch will help bind the juices together. Make sure the compote has cooled slightly before adding or the cornstarch will lump up. You can also skip this step if you prefer a looser compote.
Cooking Process
Here is a simple step-by-step for how to make blueberry compote:
- Rinse and pick through fresh blueberries. Thaw frozen berries.
- In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, water and any spices or flavorings. Lemon juice can be added now or after cooking.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until thickened and saucy.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in lemon juice if not added earlier. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- For thicker compote, stir in cornstarch. Let cool completely before serving.
- Store compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serving Suggestions
Once made, blueberry compote has many uses. Here are some ideas:
- Topping for yogurt, oatmeal or cereal
- Fruit dip for apple slices or graham crackers
- Filling for crepes, pancakes or waffles
- Swirled into cottage cheese or ricotta
- Sauce for pound cake or ice cream
- Mix into Greek yogurt for a fruit dip
- Stir into plain yogurt for a smoothie base
- Layer in parfaits with granola and whipped cream
Nutrition
Blueberry compote is packed with nutrition. Here is the nutrition information for a 1/2 cup serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 114 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
As you can see, blueberry compote is low in fat and sodium but provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fiber and antioxidants. The fiber comes from the blueberries, while most of the carbohydrates are from added sugar. When enjoying blueberry compote, portion control is advised due to the high sugar content. But when consumed in moderation, this fruit compote can be a healthy addition to your diet.
Cost Analysis
Making homemade blueberry compote is very economical. Here is a cost breakdown for a one pint batch:
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 pint fresh blueberries | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| 1/4 cup sugar | $0.05 |
| 1/4 cup water | $0.00 |
| 1/2 lemon | $0.10 |
| Pinch of spice | $0.02 |
| Total: | $2.17 – $4.17 |
Buying blueberry compote from the grocery store can cost $4.00 to $6.00 for a pint. So making it at home cuts the cost by almost half. Since blueberry compote keeps for up to a week in the refrigerator, this is a budget-friendly way to have a healthy, homemade fruit topping on hand.
Conclusion
Blueberry compote is an easy, versatile and nutrition dessert topping or breakfast condiment. It requires just a few simple ingredients: blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Optional mix-ins like spices, vanilla or cornstarch can customize the flavor and texture. Simply combine the ingredients and simmer until thickened and saucy. The compote can be served warm, room temperature or chilled. Use it to top yogurt, pancakes, ice cream, ricotta cheese and more. Making your own blueberry compote at home costs much less than buying pre-made. With so many uses, this fresh fruit compote is sure to become a kitchen staple.