Ingredient list

Fruit is a collective term for sweet or tart produce from plants, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural fiber. It encompasses hundreds of varieties, from apples and pears to citrus fruits and berries, as well as exotic options such as mango or papaya. In the kitchen, fruit is used fresh, dried, frozen, and canned in desserts, salads, jams, smoothies, sauces, and drinks. The naturally sweet flavor of fruit comes from fructose. It is an essential part of a balanced diet and supports immune system function, skin health, and overall vitality.

Fruit brandy is a distilled alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting and then distilling fruit, grain, or other sugar-rich ingredients. In Central European tradition, the most well-known varieties include slivovitz made from plums or apricot brandy. It is served as a digestif after meals or used in cooking for flambéing, sauces, marinades, and desserts. The alcohol content typically ranges between 40-60%. High-quality homemade brandy is a deeply rooted tradition in many regions of Central Europe. In recipes, it is valued for its bold flavor and ability to enhance other ingredients.

Fruit compote is a preserved or freshly cooked product made from fruit submerged in a sweet syrup. It is prepared by sterilising whole or sliced fruit in a sugar solution or fruit juice, preserving its natural flavour and aroma throughout the year. It is served as a dessert, a side dish with dumplings or pancakes, or used as a filling in cakes and buns. Homemade compotes are most commonly made from cherries, plums, peaches, pears, or apples. Compared to jam, compote has a thinner consistency due to a higher proportion of liquid syrup.

Fruit juice is a liquid obtained by pressing or centrifuging fresh fruit. It can be freshly squeezed, pasteurized, or made from concentrate. It contains natural sugars, vitamins, especially vitamin C, and minerals. The most popular varieties include orange, apple, grapefruit, grape, pineapple, and berry juices. It is enjoyed as a drink but also used as an ingredient in sauces, marinades, cocktails, desserts, and baked goods. Freshly squeezed juice retains the most nutrients. When choosing, it is best to opt for 100% fruit juice with no added sugar or preservatives for the greatest health benefit.

Fruit liqueur is an alcoholic beverage produced by macerating or distilling fruit, sweetened with sugar and sometimes other ingredients. Alcohol content typically ranges between 15 and 30% ABV. Popular varieties include raspberry, cherry, apricot, and citrus liqueurs. In the kitchen, they are used to flavour desserts, creams, sauces, ice creams, and cocktails. They are added to tiramisu, panna cotta, fruit salads, and fondues. In baking, they impart a distinctive fruity aroma to pastries and cakes. Homemade fruit liqueurs can be prepared by macerating fruit in spirit and adding sugar syrup.

Fruit pulp is the blended and strained flesh of fruit, free of seeds and skin. It is obtained from fresh or heat-processed fruit and retains the natural flavor, aroma, and a large proportion of the nutritional value. It is most commonly made from mango, passion fruit, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, or citrus fruits. It is used in the preparation of cocktails, smoothies, ice cream, sorbets, creams, pastries, sauces, and fruit yogurts. It can be purchased ready-made or easily prepared at home. Thanks to its thick consistency, it gives dishes an intense fruity flavor and natural sweetness without the need to add sugar.

Fruit syrup is a thick, sweet concentrate made from fruit juice or fruit puree with added sugar. It is produced from a wide variety of fruits including strawberries, raspberries, elderberries, currants, cherries, and citrus. It is primarily used to prepare refreshing drinks by diluting with water or sparkling water, but also works well for flavouring cocktails, pancakes, ice cream, yoghurts, and desserts. Homemade syrups are made by boiling fruit with sugar and straining the liquid. Commercial varieties may contain colourings and preservatives, so checking the label is recommended. Properly stored, syrup keeps in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Fruit tea is a non-alcoholic beverage made from dried or frozen fruits, flowers, and herbs. Unlike traditional tea, it contains no tea leaves and is therefore naturally caffeine-free. It has a pronounced fruity aroma and a sweet-tart flavour that can be adjusted with honey or sugar. It can be enjoyed hot or cold as iced tea. In the kitchen, it is used as a liquid component in desserts, cakes, jellies, or as a base for homemade cold drinks. Popular blends include hibiscus, rosehip, apple, forest berries, and citrus.

Fruit vinegar is produced by fermenting fruit juice or pulp, during which sugars are first converted into alcohol and then into acetic acid. The best-known variety is apple cider vinegar, but popular options also include raspberry, cherry, grape, and blueberry vinegar. It has a more delicate and complex flavour than standard distilled vinegar. In the kitchen, it is used in salad dressings, marinades, sauces, beverages, and even desserts. It contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals from the source fruit. Apple cider vinegar is also traditionally used in home remedies.

Fruit yoghurt is a fermented dairy product flavoured with a fruit component, most commonly a fruit preparation, jam, or pieces of fresh fruit. It is made from full-fat or low-fat milk and fermented using yoghurt cultures. Thanks to its probiotic content, it supports a healthy gut microbiome. It works well as a snack, breakfast, or as a base for smoothies, fruit parfaits, and baking. When choosing, it is worth checking the ingredients, higher-quality varieties contain real fruit, less sugar, and no unnecessary additives. It is available in many flavours, from strawberry and raspberry to mango and apricot.

Full-fat quark is a fresh soft cheese made from whole or semi-skimmed milk through acidification and coagulation. Compared to low-fat varieties, it has a higher fat content (typically 8-10% or more), making it creamier, smoother, and richer in flavor. In the kitchen it is highly versatile, suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. It works wonderfully as a filling for crepes, cheesecakes, sweet dumplings, or as a base for dips and spreads. When used in baking, it adds moisture and a delicate flavor to pastries. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins.

Fusilli are Italian pasta in the shape of a spiral or helix, with the name derived from the Italian word fuso, meaning spindle. Made from durum wheat semolina, their characteristic shape allows them to trap sauces, small pieces of vegetables, or meat exceptionally well. They pair nicely with thick tomato sauces, pesto, creamy sauces, and baked dishes. They are also a popular choice for cold pasta salads, where their shape holds the dressing effectively. Cooking time is approximately 8-10 minutes. Fusilli are among the most popular pasta shapes in the world, appearing in countless traditional and modern Italian and international recipes.