Stewing fruit is the process of gently simmering fruit in liquid with sugar and spices until soft and flavourful.
As summer winds down and the abundance of ripe, juicy fruit starts to overflow from our gardens, markets, and fruit bowls, there’s no better way to make the most of it than by stewing. Stewing fruit is a simple, time-honored technique that transforms fresh or overripe fruit into a sweet, versatile treat that can be enjoyed in countless ways.
Stewing is the perfect way to preserve fruit at its peak while also rescuing those apples, plums, or berries that are starting to look a little too soft in the fruit bowl. Instead of letting them go to waste, a quick simmer with a bit of sweetener turns them into a delicious, syrupy mixture perfect for breakfasts, desserts, or snacks.
Best Fruits for Stewing
While most fruits can be stewed, some work better than others. Here are some great options:
- Stone fruits – Peaches, plums, apricots, and nectarines soften beautifully and develop deep, rich flavors.
- Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries quickly break down into a luscious sauce.
- Apples and pears – These firmer fruits take longer to stew but hold their shape well, making them ideal for chunkier fruit compotes.
- Rhubarb – Though technically a vegetable, rhubarb is often stewed alongside fruits like strawberries for a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Sweetening Your Stewed Fruit
One of the joys of stewing fruit is that you can control the sweetness. If your fruit is naturally sweet, you may need only a small amount of added sweetener. Here are some great options:
- Sugar – White or brown sugar works well for a classic taste and helps create a thicker syrup.
- Honey – Adds a floral depth and works beautifully with stone fruits and berries.
- Maple syrup – A great natural option that pairs well with apples, pears, and peaches.
If your fruit is already very sweet, a squeeze of lemon juice can help balance the flavours.
How to Stew Fruit
Stewing fruit is as easy as:
- Prepare the fruit – Wash, peel (if necessary), and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Add sweetener and liquid – Place the fruit in a saucepan with a small amount of water, juice, or even wine. Add your preferred sweetener to taste.
- Simmer gently – Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and releases its juices. This usually takes 10-20 minutes, depending on the fruit.
- Enhance the flavor – Add cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, or other spices to give your stewed fruit extra depth.
Ways to Use Stewed Fruit
Once you have a batch of stewed fruit, the possibilities are endless:
- Spoon over yogurt, breakfast muesli and porridge, or pancakes.
- Use as a topping for ice cream.
- Serve warm with custard or cream.
- Blend into smoothies.
- Use as a base for a fruit song or fruit crumble (scroll through this article for my ‘Crimble Crumble’ recipe that features in my second book ‘Winter Warmers’.
10 of the Best FAQ: Stewing Fruit
1. What is stewing fruit?
Stewing fruit is the process of gently simmering fresh or overripe fruit with a small amount of liquid and sweetener until soft and syrupy.
2. What fruits are best for stewing?
Great choices include apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, rhubarb, and berries. Firmer fruits take longer to stew, while softer fruits break down quickly.
3. Can I stew frozen fruit?
Yes! Frozen fruit works well for stewing. There’s no need to thaw it first—just place it in a saucepan and cook as usual.
4. Do I need to add sugar?
Not necessarily. If your fruit is naturally sweet, you may not need any added sugar. You can also use honey, maple syrup, or other natural sweeteners if desired.
5. How much liquid should I use?
You only need a small amount—just enough to prevent the fruit from sticking or burning. Water, fruit juice, or even a splash of wine can work well.
6. How long does it take to stew fruit?
It depends on the fruit. Softer fruits (like berries) may take just 5–10 minutes, while firmer fruits (like apples or pears) can take 15–20 minutes.
7. What spices go well with stewed fruit?
Cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, star anise, and cloves can add warmth and depth to your stewed fruit.
8. How should I store stewed fruit?
Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
9. How can I use stewed fruit?
It’s delicious over yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream, or even as a topping for cakes and desserts. You can also use it in crumbles, pies, or smoothies.
10. Can I make stewed fruit without peeling the fruit?
Yes! Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and extra fiber, but for a smoother result, you may prefer to peel firmer fruits like apples and pears.
How to Stew Fruit
Ingredients
- 1 kg clean fruit (any stone or pip variety)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
Instructions
- Wash your fruit and cut up into chunks. Remove any blemishes as well as any stones or pips.
- Place in a heavy-bottomed pot with the water and sugar and simmer on a low heat, stirring often. You may need more sugar depending on the fruit you are using. Just taste and add as you need.
- When the stewed fruit reaches the consistency that you desire, take it off the heat.
- It’s that easy. You can store it in an air tight jar or container in the fridge for up to a week.