TOP 10 simple recipes for red bird cherry compote for the winter, with and without sterilization

Red bird cherry compotes are very beneficial during the winter, helping to replenish vitamin deficiencies and combat colds. Moreover, the drink has excellent taste. However, it should not be overindulged, as it can disrupt intestinal function. Furthermore, compotes made from these fruits are not recommended for people with heart disease or constipation.

The intricacies of making bird cherry compote for the winter

The process of preserving berries has a number of features, among which the following stand out:

• the fruits have a good shelf life, it is permissible to store them for 7-8 days before canning in the refrigerator;
• When preparing compotes for the winter, use only fresh berries. Frozen berries are only suitable for drinks that will last no more than a couple of days.
• In order to achieve the richness of the color of the preparation, it is necessary to use the ripest berries, but not overripe ones, as they will be dry;
• Another trick for achieving a richer drink is the length of time it's simmered—the longer it's simmered, the richer the compote will be. It shouldn't be consumed until it reaches a vibrant color;
• to increase the shelf life, you can add a small portion of vinegar or citric acid to the container with compote;
• You can prepare the drink for the winter with or without sterilization. However, in this case, you should use containers of at least 3 liters to ensure the fruit is thoroughly steamed.

Which varieties of berries are best to choose?

Both red and black berries are suitable for winter preservation. The only requirement for color is maximum saturation. Otherwise, the product may be unripe or stale.

Particular attention should be paid to the skin of the berries - it should have a smooth, even structure without bruises or any defects.

Wormy berries should be discarded immediately. Failure to follow these tips and harvesting unsuitable berries may result in the drink spoiling prematurely.

How to properly prepare bird cherry

To prepare bird cherry for canning, it should be properly prepared:

• the berries will need to be cleaned of debris and leaves, thoroughly rinsed under running tap water and dried;
• glass containers for preparation will need to be sterilized, this can be done in the oven, microwave, or over a pan with steam;
• The lids for rolling up will also require heat treatment; they need to be boiled in water;
• It is better to use sugar from a store-bought package, since the product packaged at home may already contain various crumbs and other things;
• Cans containing the drink should be sealed with metal lids and rolled with a key. Then, turn the container upside down and put it away until it cools completely, wrapped in a warm blanket.

How to make bird cherry compote at home

Fans of these berry-based drinks have ample opportunity to choose the most suitable recipe, as there are a wide variety available. We suggest you explore the best of them.

A simple recipe for a 3-liter jar

For 500 grams of the main ingredient you will need:

• about 2 liters of water;
• 500 grams of sugar.

Pour 200 milliliters of boiling water into a large container with the berries. This mixture will need to be boiled, but the cooking time should not exceed 5 minutes. Then, cover the jar with a lid and set aside for 5 hours. During this time, prepare the sugar water and boil it for no more than 3 minutes. Finally, pour the berries into the jars, pour the sugar solution over them, and begin sealing.

Without sterilization

To prepare the preparation without sterilization, for 3 cups of the main component you will need (the ingredients are calculated for a 3-liter container):

• 3 cups of sugar;
• boiling water to fill the container to the brim (about 2 liters).

Place all ingredients in a container, fill to the brim with boiling water, and seal as quickly as possible. The drink will be ready for consumption in 60-90 days; it needs to steep thoroughly.

With apples

To make a blank with this component, you will need:

• 0.25 kilograms of berries;
• 0.5 kilograms of apples;
• 0.4 kilograms of sugar;
• water.

Place the prepared berries and seedless apples into a saucepan, add cold water, and simmer until the drink is ready. Next, add the remaining ingredients and simmer for at least 5 minutes, then pour into containers and seal.

With raspberries

If you're making compote with raspberries, the berries will soften the drink's tartness. For this recipe, per 1 kilogram of the main ingredient (the dosage is for two 3-liter jars):

• 0.5 kilograms of raspberries;
• 4 liters of water;
• 4 cups of sugar.

Blanch the bird cherry berries for at least 3 minutes and sort the raspberries, then distribute them among the jars. Prepare a water-sugar solution and boil it for at least 3 minutes. Then pour it into the jars with the mixture and seal with lids.

With red currant

For 1 kilogram of the main component, prepare:

• 0.5 kilograms of currants;
• 2 cups of sugar;
• 1.5 liters of water.

Pour water over the berry mixture and simmer for about half an hour. Then, add sugar and simmer for another 5 minutes. Then, pour the prepared drink into a glass container and seal.

With vinegar

This ingredient is added to the canning jars to minimize the risk of spoilage. To preserve the cherries, first add the blanched bird cherry to a 3-liter jar, pour in 1 tablespoon of vinegar, then pour in the sugar water, and begin canning as quickly as possible.

With rose hips

This combination of berries in the compote will have a beneficial effect on the body, its immune system, and digestive system. The ingredients complement each other beautifully, creating a unique flavor.

For 0.5 kilograms of the main component you will need to prepare:

• 200 grams of rose hips;
• 300 grams of sugar;
• 2 liters of water.

Prepare the sugar solution and simmer for 5 minutes after it comes to a boil. Then, pour the berry mixture into the pan and simmer for another 10 minutes. Let the drink steep for at least 5 hours. Then, transfer the berries to sealing containers, bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop, pour into jars, and seal.

Double-filled

This method is recommended for extending the shelf life of the drink, especially if you're using stone fruits (plums, cherries, and others). Pour boiling water into the container containing the main ingredient, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Next, pour the liquid from the container into a saucepan, bring to a boil, and then add the remaining ingredient. Simmer the syrup for 2 minutes, pour it into the containers containing the berries, and seal.

With gooseberries

For 1 glass of the main ingredient you will need:

• 1 cup gooseberries;
• 1 cup of sugar;
• 1.5 liters of water;
• If desired, you can add a slice of lemon.

Sort the berries thoroughly. Make a solution of water and sugar, pour the berries into it, and simmer for at least 5 minutes after boiling. Then pour into containers and seal.

Storage

Do not store the prepared mixture for more than six months, as the bird cherry berries begin to release hydrocyanic acid, which is contained in the pits. Drinking the drink after this period can lead to poisoning.To extend the shelf life, it is recommended to add citric acid or vinegar to the container. This mixture can be stored for up to a year.