Homemade applesauce is a delicious and nutritious treat that is perfect for fall. Not only is it a great way to use up a surplus of apples from your local orchard or farmer’s market, but it also makes the house smell amazing while it’s cooking. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and easy recipe for homemade applesauce, as well as tips for canning it so you can enjoy it all year round.
Making homemade applesauce is a fun and rewarding activity that the whole family can get involved in. Whether you have young children who can help wash and peel the apples, or older kids who can assist with cooking and blending, making applesauce together can be a bonding experience that creates lasting memories.
One of the best things about homemade applesauce is that you can control the ingredients and ensure that it is free from any added sugars or preservatives. Store-bought applesauce often contains added sweeteners, which can detract from the natural sweetness of the apples. By making your own applesauce, you can let the natural flavors of the apples shine through.
To make homemade applesauce, you’ll need a good supply of fresh apples. It’s best to use a variety of apples to create a more complex flavor profile. Some good options include McIntosh, Jonathan, Gala, Fuji, and Ida Red apples. You can often find “seconds” at your local farmer’s market or orchard, which are slightly imperfect apples that are perfect for making applesauce.
Once you have your apples, the first step is to wash and prep them. If you prefer, you can peel the apples before cooking, but leaving the skins on can add extra flavor and nutrients to the applesauce. Quarter and core the apples, then cook them in a pot with a little water and cinnamon until they are soft.
Once the apples are cooked, you can blend them to your desired consistency. An immersion blender works well for this, but you can also use a food processor or blender. If you prefer chunky applesauce, you can leave some chunks of apple in the mixture.
At this point, you can either enjoy the applesauce fresh, or you can can it for long-term storage. Canning applesauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of the apples and enjoy them throughout the year. Simply pour the applesauce into clean quart jars, top with lids, and process in a water bath canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For a quicker version of homemade applesauce, you can use an Instant Pot. This method is perfect for when you don’t have a large quantity of apples to can, but still want to enjoy the flavors of homemade applesauce. Simply cook the apples with water, lemon juice, and spices in the Instant Pot, then blend to your desired consistency.
Overall, making homemade applesauce is a fun and rewarding experience that can bring the whole family together. Whether you’re cooking up a large batch for canning or whipping up a quick batch in the Instant Pot, homemade applesauce is a delicious and healthy treat that is sure to become a family favorite. So grab some fresh apples and get cooking!
