BHA & BHT Free Stewed Berry Compote with Ginger & Ceylon Cinnamon
Warm, jewel-toned, and fragrant with spice, this berry compote is the kind of thing you'll want to spoon over everything — yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream, or a thick slice of toast. The combination of mixed berries, fresh ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon creates a deeply aromatic sauce that feels far more special than the effort involved. Store-bought fruit preserves and jarred compotes are notorious for sneaking in synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT, so making your own is genuinely the smartest move if you're trying to keep those additives out of your kitchen. Every ingredient here is whole and recognizable — berries, honey, lemon, and real spice — with nothing artificial in sight. Ceylon cinnamon is worth seeking out specifically; it's milder and more floral than the cassia variety, and it lets the fruit shine rather than overpowering it. A hit of fresh ginger and a squeeze of lemon at the end keep the flavor bright and balanced. Make a batch on the weekend and you'll have a versatile, clean-ingredient topping ready to go all week long.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen — blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the berries, honey, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the berries, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to release their juices and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Stir in the ginger and Ceylon cinnamon. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the compote has thickened to a loose, spoonable consistency and the berries have broken down but still hold some texture, 12–15 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!