Dried compote is a traditional dish that we eat on Christmas Eve. Not everyone is satisfied with its taste, which is why it is often overlooked. And that's a mistake! Dried compote is very he althy, and according to old Polish beliefs it was supposed to ensure longevity to those who drink it. Nay! Dried compote was also supposed to ward off evil powers!
Dried compoteis very he althy and there is a reason for our guests on our tables. Our ancestors attributed to him magical powers, not only he alth - he was supposed to drive away evil powers and ensure longevity to drinkers. As with the saying of the English: Eat one apple a day and you will not need a doctor. The Polish dried compote was like this: apples added to it were a symbol of love and peace, while pears were supposed to give strength and provide we alth, figs guaranteed fertility, and plums were supposed to protect against bad energy. Well, it is not entirely true … The fact is that dried compote has he alth benefits and is worth drinking.
Dried compote - he alth benefits
Dried compoteshould be drunk much more often than once a year, at Christmas Eve supper. Although the taste of dried compote is so specific that it does not suit everyone, it is worth finding out and drinking at least a glass of the drink. We owe the dried compote to the Lemkos who used to collect and dry fruit every summer to drink compote in winter. What does a traditional compote contain? We have already mentioned these fruits: apples, pears and Hungarian plums. Sometimes the taste of compote can be enriched with cinnamon or honey, thus adding additional he alth properties to our drink.
Dried compote is an excellentsource of fiber , so much needed by our intestines. Fiber protects us from gnawing (causing a feeling of fullness), speeds up digestion, and thanks to the content of fruit acids, it supports the development of microflora in the intestines.
The dried compote contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and B vitamins. As we know, vitamin A is responsible for improving eyesight and skin condition by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, eliminates fine wrinkles, reduces discoloration . In turn, vitamin C seals and strengthens blood vessels, supports immunity and is used in the treatment of hypertension.Vitamin E, also known as the vitamin of youth and fertility, is a powerful antioxidant, protects the body against oxidative stress and cell damage, in other words it destroys free radicals. Vitamin K plays an important role primarily in the blood clotting process, so it is also important for our body. On the other hand, B vitamins are primarily responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Apart from vitamins, dried compote also includes minerals - potassium, magnesium and iron, so compote strengthens the heart, protects the circulatory system, and supports memory and concentration. It also prevents anemia, and since pears also contain iodine - they can help with problems with hypothyroidism.
To sum up the dried compote:
- is an excellent source of dietary fiber,
- strengthens the body thanks to the content of vitamins and minerals,
- improves digestion, prevents overeating,
- helps with constipation (you have to thank the prunes here),
- strengthens the heart,
- has a positive effect on the work of the nervous system,
- protects against heart attack and the development of atherosclerosis,
- reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the blood,
- can help with hypothyroidism,
- strengthens immunity.
But beware - one glass of compote drunk once a year will not do it all! Dried compote drunk regularly for a long time will have a positive effect on our he alth and it will be noticeable. On the other hand, a glass of dried compote drunk at one time can only help with digestion!
Dried compote - recipe
The recipe for dried compote is very easy to prepare. It doesn't really take much! Here is a recipe for dried compote according to Anna Starmach:
- 3 l of water
- 300 g dried plums
- 200 g dried apples
- 200g dried pears
- peel of two lemons
- a piece of cinnamon bark
- 5 carnations
- 3 tablespoons of honey (optional)
- a handful of raisins
Please note that this compote also contains honey. Theoretically, dried fruits contain a lot of sugar, so you don't need to sweeten them. Honey, however, has a very positive effect on our body. It contains bactericidal compounds, has anti-inflammatory properties, supports the body's natural immunity, and also contains a lot of microelements. It is worth considering adding it to a dried compote, but on one condition! Honey cannot be added to boiling water, nor can it be boiled - otherwise it will lose all its nutritional properties.
Making a dried compote is very simple:
Upload alladd ingredients to the pot (except honey!) and cook for 30 minutes.