Seasonal Fruit Compote

This recipe is so versatile, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is cheap to make – look for fruits that are in season and fruits that may be slightly ‘past it’ as they will be naturally sweeter and you don't have to add as much sugar.

My son James loves any kind of fruit, and really enjoys this on Greek yoghurt or with porridge or Weetabix.

Below is a list of fruits that are in season month by month.

January – apples, pears, rhubarb

February – apples, rhubarb

March – rhubarb

April – rhubarb

May – apricots, nectarine, rhubarb

June – apricots, blackcurrants, gooseberries, nectarine, rhubarb, strawberries

July – apricots, blackcurrants, gooseberries, nectarine, raspberries, strawberries

August – apricots, blackberries, figs, gooseberries, nectarine, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries

September – apples, apricots, blackberries, figs, gooseberries, nectarine, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, strawberries

October – apples, blackberries, cranberries, figs, pears, plums

November – apples, cranberries, pears

December – apples, cranberries, pears

There is nothing wrong with using frozen fruit; I’ve always got a bag of mixed berries in my freezer. However, some frozen fruit may be a bit tart and may require some extra sweetness.

Ingredients

200g of fresh or frozen fruit of your choice

100ml of water

2 tbsp. of fresh juice of your choice

1 tbsp. of natural sugar

1 tbsp. of chia seeds

Method…

To a small saucepan add fruit, water, juice and sugar.  Bring to a rapid boil and reduce heat to medium-low, let it gently simmer.  Let this cook until the liquid reduces by about half, approximately 10-15 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  Remove from heat and add the chia seeds.  After it is completely cool, pour into sterile glass containers and refrigerate. 

When it comes to adding sugar to a recipe for your child I like to use natural sugars. Therefore instead of adding caster sugar to this recipe, why not use maple syrup, palm sugar or even honey (for babies over 12 months).

I love using chia seeds in recipes; they are a natural thickener, loaded with antioxidants and full of fiber & protein. You can buy these in health food stores or online.