Steaming Fruit with no Added Sugar

Who grew up with stewed fruit for dessert?

Fresh fruit is delightful but sadly seasonal. Historically, fruit was preserved in a sugar-heavy syrup or stewed and frozen for enjoyment out of season.

A healthier option is to steam them and omit the sugar – most fruit is naturally sweet enough.

Steamed sugar-free fruit is a fantastic guilt-free evening dessert served hot or cold. It provides a delightful burst of natural flavors without the added sugar, making it a wonderful treat. Additionally, it's also a perfect accompaniment to your morning, enhancing the taste of your cereal with its natural sweetness.

If the unsweetened fruit is too tart for your liking, you can experiment with different combinations to enhance the flavor profile. Consider sweetening it with the addition of apple or frozen raspberries, which add sweetness and a new taste dimension to the dish. The versatility of fruit combinations allows for endless possibilities to suit your preferences and cravings.

My favorite combinations:

• Apricots & apple

• Apple & raspberries (only a small portion of raspberries needed)

• Feijoa & Apple

• Pear and raspberries

• Rhubarb and raspberries

Method

Add chopped fruit to a saucepan with just a little water (about 2 tbsp). Heat gently, allowing the initial steam to release the natural juices from the fruit. Simmer the fruit until it is heated through and reaches the desired texture, ensuring that the flavors are well-developed and satisfying.

Serving Options

Enhance your dish by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving it cold, creating a creamy and refreshing contrast to the warm fruit. For a cozy indulgence, consider pairing the warm or hot fruit with a scoop of ice cream, adding a delightful touch of sweetness and creaminess to the dessert. Alternatively, transform your dish into a deconstructed fruit crumble by sprinkling some toasted muesli on top, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to elevate the overall experience.

So plan ahead for healthy out-of-season sweetness and freeze nature's delights in Summer and Autumn to enjoy all year round.