Blueberry Compote
May 5, 2011 § 1 Comment
They were in season and I asked the guide to reserve me 3 paper plates – that was how they sell them at the Saturday Market in Sagada. A plateful is about 1 cup. It was market day but we were also on our way to Bomod-ok falls hence the need to reserve or run out. These wild blueberries are grown on the slopes of Mt. Ampacao usually during the months of April and May. Due to the short season, these local berries go fast. The locals usually make pies and jams from it.
I made a sauce, more like a compote actually that went well with pancakes, ice cream and even a trifle, which will be for another post.
Local blueberries are not only found in Sagada but are usually gathered from the pine forest of the entire Mt. Province. Compared to their cooler climate cousins, these berries are a bit tough on the skin. Also a bit more sour but packed with more flavor, me thinks. While stewing the blueberries, the fragrance filled up my entire kitchen. The blend of sour to the sweet sauce added a welcome dimension, bringing out the blueberry tang.
What you need:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp. cornstarch
- Pinch of ground cinnamon or throw in a bark
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of ½ a lemon
- 2 tsp. lemon juice (depending on your preference)
What you do:
- Place the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir until smooth.
- Stir in the blueberries and place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the sauce until the liquid thickens and becomes clear.
- Taste to see if there is a need to add more sugar or more water if a thinner sauce is desired.
- Let cool and then cover and refrigerate.
Makes about 1 cup.
Storm In My Kitchen 
[…] sweetness and the skin is on the tart side when eaten fresh. Make them into a jam or in my case, compote and they are to die for. Lovely on yogurt or […]