Preserving Homemade Applesauce: Detailed Guide with Handy Suggestions
Homemade Canned Apple Sauce
Prep Time: 30 minutesCook Time: 25-35 minutesProcessing Time: 10 minutes for pints, 20 minutes for quarts (at 0-1,000 feet)Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes - 1 hour 55 minutes
Want to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade applesauce all year round? This easy canning recipe allows you to store vibrant, flavorful applesauce for your pantry. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll be saving your favorite fall flavors in no time!
What You'll Need
- 4 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and chopped; use Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional: stick cinnamon for a traditional flavor)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Large pot or saucepan (8-quart minimum for boiling and simmering)
- Strainer or food mill (optional for smoother sauce)
- Canning funnel
- Canning jars, lids, and bands (sterilized)
- Water bath canner or a large pot with a rack for processing jars
Let's Make Some Apple Sauce!
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and chop the apples, then add them to a large pot or saucepan.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Pour water and apple cider vinegar into the pot. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften (approx. 4 minutes).
Step 3: Simmer the Apples
Cover the pot and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 35 minutes or until the apples are very tender.
Step 4: Add Spices
Stir in cinnamon and salt. Continue to simmer for a few minutes if desired for more flavor infusion.
Step 5: Mash the Apples
Remove the pot from the heat and mash the apples with a potato masher or blend in a food processor to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Prepare Jars and Tools
Sterilize the canning jars, lids, and bands in boiling water. Keep them hot.
Step 7: Fill Jars
Use a canning funnel to fill the hot jars with the applesauce, leaving about ½ inch headspace.
Step 8: Remove Air Bubbles
Use a spatula or non-metallic utensil to remove air bubbles from the jars.
Step 9: Seal Jars
Wipe the rims with a damp cloth, apply the lids, and screw on the bands until just finger-tight.
Step 10: Process Jars
Place the jars in a boiling water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Process for 10 minutes for pints and 20 minutes for quarts at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude. Adjust processing time as needed based on altitude.
Step 11: Cool and Store
Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool without moving. Check the seals after 24 hours and store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Notes on Consistency
Use a food mill or blender for a smoother consistency. To achieve a chunkier sauce, cook the apples for less time.
[1] Enrichment Data: For canning safety, follow the guidelines provided by NCHFP (National Center for Home Food Preservation).
[2] Cooking time varies depending on the apple variety used and individual preferences for applesauce texture.
[3] Apple type options include sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, or tart varieties like Granny Smith. Mixing sweet and tart options create a well-balanced applesauce.
[4] Processing time may need to be adjusted based on altitude. For altitudes between 1,001 and 6,000 feet, add 5 minutes to the processing time, and for altitudes above 6,000 feet, add an additional 10 minutes. For more specific information on processing times based on altitude, consult the NCHFP website.
[5] For apple butter or other apple preserves, follow adapted techniques and recipes to ensure food safety and successful preservation.
Tips
- Cinnamon and salt are optional, but they add depth to the final flavor.
- To can apple slices, follow a modified recipe that includes acidification. Check the NCHFP website for instructions on canning apple slices.
- When stocks are low, consider reusing canning jars for new projects or creating fun DIY projects to decorate them.
- When making apple sauce in bulk, divide it among smaller jars and freeze extra jars for later use.
- Repurpose apple peelings or cores for homemade apple butter, pies, and other dishes.
Happy canning! If you enjoy this recipe, share your thoughts and experiences with others in the comments section. Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @ourwebsite with your creations!
This easy canning recipe allows you to save your favorite fall flavors by storing vibrant, flavorful applesauce for your pantry, making it possible to enjoy homemade applesauce all year round. As incredible homemade food-and-drink creations, the applesauce is a wonderful addition to your lifestyle. With the presentation of canned jars adorning your home-and-garden, this recipe also offers a unique twist in your food-and-drink recipes, inviting friends and family to savor the taste of homemade canning. Share your homemade applesauce experiences and photos on food-and-drink groups and social media platforms, like the #homemade canning #foodies #fallflavors #applesauce.