How to Preserve Apples

Preserving apples. Apples are a fantastic fall fruit that stores well in a fresh state, especially with the right conditions like root cellar storage. However, not everyone has access to one. This article outlines several methods to preserve apples without a root cellar.

Step-by-step recipes and tutorials to preserve your harvest. Canning applesauce, apple butter, pie filling, freezing apples for pies, and even making crabapple jelly. Plus, make prep work easier with the Apple Peeler Corer Slicer.

Best ways to Preserve Apples

Canning Applesauce

When canning applesauce, I always use just Jona-Gold apples, but I’ve read that using several types of apples will give your applesauce a nicer flavor.

How to Can Applesauce

Canning Apple Pie Filling

By canning apple pie filling, you will have a dessert already half prepared later! Here's how to can apple pie filling from start to finish.

Home Canned Apple Pie Filling

How to Freeze Apples

Learn how to freeze apples. Freezing is a great option for an overabundance, or just when we want to prepare ahead for all the apple desserts you love.

Freezing Apples

Crabapple Jelly

Learn how to make crabapple jelly and make use of those tart little fruits, while enjoying a delicious finished product.

Homemade Crabapple Jelly Recipe

Apple Butter Recipe

Instructions for making apple butter in a Crockpot and then how to can it!

How to Can Apple Butter

Freezing Apples for Apple Pie

Freezing apples for pie makes pie making later super easy. Prepare ahead desserts for the busy holidays or spur of the moment cravings.

How to Freeze Apples for Quick Apple Pie Later

Canning Apples

Learn how to can apple slices to use for oatmeal, baking, or pouring over ice cream. YOU control the sugar. Canning apples is great!

Learn How to Can Apples

Apple Slicer

Apple slicers make nice, thin slices for most preserving projects.

Apple Peeler Corer Slicer

Apple Butter Recipe in Quarts?

Can you make apple butter in quarts. Yes you can… but should you? That is the question answered in this canning chat video.

Canning Apple Butter in Quart Jars

What Kind of Apples Are Best for Canning Applesauce?

When it comes to making delicious applesauce, the type of apple you choose can make a big difference. Generally, a mix of sweet and tart apples works best to achieve a well-balanced flavor. We love a variety called Jonagold. They are already a mix between Jonathon (tart) and Golden Delicious (sweet). Other popular choices include McIntosh for its smooth texture, and Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweet, crisp qualities. Experimenting with different combinations can help you find the perfect blend that suits your taste. But honestly…. any apple works.

Why Do Apples Ripen Nearby Fruit Quicker?

You might have noticed that apples seem to make other fruits ripen faster when stored together. This happens because apples release a natural plant hormone called ethylene gas which can accelerate the ripening process of fruits and vegetables nearby. This can be handy if you have some under-ripe fruits you want to ripen quickly.

Storing Fresh Apples – Root Cellar Method

Preserving apples in a root cellar is an excellent way to keep them fresh for months. This traditional method works by maintaining a cool, humid environment. Ideally around 32-40°F with 90-95% humidity. Preserving apples this way allows you to enjoy crisp, fresh apples well into the winter months. Even without a root cellar, finding a cool, dark, and slightly humid place can extend the life of your apples.

A few Random Apple Facts

• There are over 7,500 varieties of apples grown around the world. That’s a lot of variety!
• An apple tree can take up to four to five years to produce its first fruit. We are still waiting on our currently 2 year old trees! Plant now, don’t wait.
• Apples float in water because 25% of their volume is air.
• The Guinness World Record for the heaviest apple is 4 pounds 1 ounce, grown in Japan.

Home food preservation for enjoying seasonal produce year-round.