Blackthorn (Sloe) Compote for Winter

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make blackthorn compote for the winter? Start by gathering your ingredients. The berries should be fully ripe so the drink turns out fragrant, vivid, and flavorful. Rinse the blackthorns well under running water, sort through them, and discard any rotten fruit, debris, and stems. Tip them into a colander and let the water drain off completely. Have your jars ready ahead of time.

2. Step 2:

   

   You can use jars of any size. If you're feeding a big family, go with three-quart (3-liter) jars. Wash them with a baking soda solution and sterilize them. (For the various sterilizing methods and other canning tips, see the link at the end of the recipe.) Sterilize the lids as well.

3. Step 3:

   

   Divide the blackthorn berries among the prepared jars, filling each about a third of the way. Bring the water to a boil—make a little extra to be safe. Pour the boiling water over the berries, filling each jar up to the neck. Cover the jars with lids and let stand for 15 minutes. Blackthorns have very delicate, thin skins that may split in the hot water, but that's nothing to worry about—it won't hurt the flavor.

4. Step 4:

   

   After 15 minutes, drain the water from the jars into a non-reactive (enamel) pot—a perforated jar lid makes this easy and keeps the berries from tumbling out. Add the sugar and set the pot over the heat. Bring the syrup to a boil, stirring with a spoon until the sugar fully dissolves. Pour the boiling syrup back over the berries. Add a pinch of citric acid to each jar to brighten the compote's flavor and color. Seal the jars with the lids.

5. Step 5:

   

   Turn the jars upside down and wrap them in something warm. Let the jars of compote cool completely this way—ideally overnight. This simple step gives the lids extra sterilizing and lets you check that the seals are tight. Once cooled, move the compote to the pantry for storage. Blackthorn compote keeps well even at room temperature.

6. Step 6:

   

   You can drink it right away, but it's even better after a week or two, once the flavor has had time to deepen. If the compote tastes too sweet for you, just dilute it with cold boiled water. Enjoy!