Delicious basic recipe plus tips and tricks

Preserving is a tradition

Often the terms "boil down" and "preserve" are used synonymously, which is not correct. When preserving, the food, for example jam, is first boiled and then filled into airtight, sterile jars while hot.

Awakening goes back to the technology invented by Johann Weck over a hundred years ago. The fresh fruit is filled into sterilized jars closed with a lid, rubber ring and metal clip and heated. While the fruits become delicious compote, the air in the glass expands and escapes. When it cools down, a vacuum is created so that germs can no longer penetrate the food.

What do you need for preserving?

For this type of preservation you don't need much besides fresh fruit:

• If you wake up frequently, it is worth buying glasses with a glass lid, rubber ring and clip. You can use these to boil the fruit in the wake-up pot or in the oven.
• Alternatively, you can use jars with screw caps. These must be heat-resistant and have an undamaged seal.

Sterilize the vessels in hot water for ten minutes. This is important because there should be no more microorganisms in it as soon as you pour in the fruit.

Basic recipe for cooked compote

For 2 liters of canning, which corresponds to the capacity of four 500 ml jars, you need:

• 1 kg of fresh, cleaned fruit. Defective areas must be cut out generously. Cut fruit such as pears into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 liter of water
• 125 - 400 g sugar. Adjust the sugar content to the natural sweetness of the fruit and your personal taste.

Preserving compote in a wake-up pot

1. Pour the fruit into the glasses. There should be a three centimeter wide margin towards the top.
2. Put the water in a saucepan and let the sugar trickle in.
3. Bring to the boil while stirring.
4. Pour the syrup over the fruits so that they are completely covered.
5. Place the grid in the wake-up pot and place the food inside so that it does not touch.
6. Pour water, three quarters of the glasses must be in the water bath.
7. Close the saucepan, bring to the boil and heat the compote according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Take out the glasses and let them cool down.
9. Check that all lids are closed,
10. Store in a cool and dark area.

Reduce the compote in the oven

1. Fill jars as described and close tightly.
2. Place in a drip pan, the vessels must not touch, and pour two centimeters of water.
3. Place the baking sheet on the lowest rail of the pipe.
4. Depending on the type of fruit, heat to 150 to 175 degrees until bubbles appear.
5. Switch off the oven and leave the jars in the oven for another 30 minutes.
6. Remove and check whether a vacuum has formed.
7. Let cool down.
8. Store in a cool and dark area.