This is an old family recipe to relieve constipation. It’s also a good way to use fruit that may be getting too soft. A bowl of stewed fruit is a good way to start your day but is also a tasty snack. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Targeted Side Effects: Constipation, fatigue, wound healing, anemia
High in vitamins A and C
Calories: 170; Total Fat: 0 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Total Carbohydrate: 41 g; Fiber: 4 g; Protein: 2 g
Optional: slow cooker
2 pounds of a combination of prunes, raisins, dried or fresh apricots, blueberries, apples, pears, plums, nectarines, or peaches, cut into chunks
¼ to ½ cup water
Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon
1. Heat fruit and water in a covered pot over medium-low heat until some of the fruit renders its liquid. The bottom of the pot should have a couple of inches of liquid in it.
2. Raise heat to medium and stir once or twice. Add cinnamon if desired.
3. When mixture starts to bubble, turn heat down to simmer and cook, covered, until fruit is soft, about 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, uncover, and let cool. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
To make in a slow cooker: Add all of the fruit and ⅓ cup water to slow cooker and leave it to cook on low for 6 hours—though you can’t overcook it!
Health Tip 101: Apricots and plums contain high levels of elemental iron, which can aid in preventing anemia. Elemental iron from food usually does not cause constipation.