Can You Freeze Compote?

A compote is a preparation of fruit simmered in sugar syrup. Often, different flavours and spices are added as well as dried fruit and alcohol. It is often served warm or as a sauce to accompany a dessert and it is a fantastic way of using up leftover fruit. But, can you also preserve compote for longer?

How to Freeze Compote

Compote is a really easy way to use up leftover fruit and also add a bit more flavour to your fruits. Compote can be eaten on its own, spread over toast or added to yoghurts and other desserts to make them even more delicious.

You may not be able to use up all the compote you have made in the time it is suitable to store in the fridge, so by following the steps below, you’ll be able to freeze it too:

1. Prepare
   Make your compote according to your favourite recipe. Be creative with the flavours and spices for a truly delicious compote. 
2. Leave to Cool
   Once you have cooked your compote, ensure it has plenty of time to cool completely before freezing.
3. Portion
   Spoon your cooled compote into freezer-safe containers or into ziplock bags.
4. Seal
   If you are using ziplock bags, be sure to press as much air out as you can before you seal. Ensure that whatever bag or container you are using is airtight.
5. Label
   Write the date of freezing on the freezer bags or container as well as what is inside. 
6. Freeze
   Place the containers into the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months.

3 Tips for Freezing Compote

Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing compote to have the best results:

Try to Avoid Using Glass
Whilst compotes can look lovely in glass jars, such as Mason jars, it is not a good idea to freeze anything in a glass container. The glass is likely to shatter due to extreme changes in temperatures. 

Always Leave Room for Expansion
When you are portioning out your compote into containers, be sure to leave some space towards the top so that the compote can expand when freezing without causing the plastic container to shatter. 

Get Experimental
You can try adding all sorts of additional ingredients into your compotes, such as dried fruits, spices and alcohol. Be sure not to use too much alcohol as this could affect how well the compote will freeze.

How Long Can You Freeze Compote?

You can freeze compote for up to 3 months, and it is better to eat it sooner rather than later.

You can also keep compote in the fridge for a couple of weeks, where you can store it in nice glass jars! How you store your compote will all depend on how quickly you intend to use it.

You Can Freeze Compote for up to 3 Months

How Do You Defrost Compote?

How you defrost compote does somewhat depend on how you are going to use it. If you plan on eating it cold, the best way to thaw compote is in the fridge.

All you will need to do is remove a container or bag of compote from the freezer and place it into the fridge. You may want to put it on a small plate or piece of kitchen roll to catch the condensation. Leave it overnight to thaw and by morning, you will have a perfectly defrosted compote. 

If you plan on serving the compote warm, you can defrost the frozen compote in the microwave or put it directly into a small pan and warm it over the stove. Be sure to do this gently as warming it up extremely quickly could damage the texture. 

Can You Refreeze Compote?

It is best not to refreeze compote as it has a high water content so constant thawing and then refreezing could degrade the texture of the compote and make it grainy.

Once you have defrosted the compote, any leftovers can be kept in the fridge and the individual portions should prevent you from needing to refreeze anything.

Does Compote Freeze Well?

Yes, compote is a great dish to freeze. Not only does it make a delicious accompaniment to many meals, but freezing it will make it last considerably longer than it would in the fridge.

It is a fantastic way to use up leftover fruit and by adding additional flavours, you will have a decadent sauce to elevate your dishes.