If you are like me fall is one of my favorite times of year. I love all the flavors that are at their peak in the fall. Since my apple trees are still growing, every year my family heads to the apple orchard to pick our apples for preserving and fresh eating.
Preserving apples is not just a culinary art; it’s a way of capturing the essence of autumn to savor throughout the year. Beyond the traditional apple pie, there are diverse methods to ensure the longevity of this versatile fruit. Let’s look at seven remarkable ways to preserve apples at home—applesauce, apple butter, apple pie filling, dehydrating apples, Granny Smith apple freezer jam, spiced apple wedges and apple jelly. Each method offers a unique culinary experience, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors and nutritional benefits of apples in various forms.
Canning Applesauce
Preserving apples takes a delightful turn with the simplicity of applesauce. Applesauce is something my family eats a lot of. We can easily eat two-pint jars of applesauce at dinner time. Creating this timeless favorite involves simmering peeled, cored, and chopped apples until they transform into a velvety, flavorful sauce. The recipe for applesauce and the water bath canning instructions come from Ball Canning’s All New Book of Canning and Preserving. Discover the best apple varieties for this process and learn how to infuse subtle hints of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick.
Apple Butter
If you have more time to process apples then this apple butter recipe is for you. This four-ingredient slow-cooked water bath canning recipe caramelizes the apples into a delicious spread. You can explore different dry spice combinations to change your apple butter to suit your tastes. The recipe and water bath canning instructions come from the Ball Canning Back To Basics Book. Apple Butter is fantastic on breakfast toast or try it on some vanilla ice cream for dessert.
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Apple Pie Filling
Nothing says comfort like a warm apple pie, and with this recipe for apple pie filling you will have that comfort at your fingertips year-round. This recipe helps with creating the perfect apple pie filling, highlighting the balance between sweetness and tartness. Uncover tips for selecting the right apples and achieving that coveted pie-filling consistency. This water bath canning recipe and step-by-step instructions for canning your homemade apple pie filling come from the United States Department of Agriculture in The Complete Guide to Home Canning.
Dehydrated Apple Slices
Preserving apples in their crispiest form involves using a dehydrator. This recipe gives you the step-by-step process of transforming apples into delectable apple chips. From preparing the apples for dehydration to mastering the dehydration time, this ensures your snack game reaches new heights. Explore innovative ways to incorporate dehydrated apples into your culinary repertoire. From salads to trail mix, discover how these preserved gems can enhance both sweet and savory dishes.
Granny Smith Apple Freezer Jam
Learn how to make Granny Smith Apple Freezer Jam, a simple and delicious fruit spread that preserves the fresh flavors of apples. I provide a step-by-step recipe for making freezer jam, highlighting the benefits of homemade jam over store-bought varieties. With detailed instructions and equipment lists, you can easily create your batch of vibrant and flavorful apple freezer jam to enjoy year-round. This freezer jam recipe comes from the All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving.
Apple Pear Cranberry Pie Filling
Adding apple pear cranberry pie filling to your canning repertoire is a delicious way to savor the flavors of fall all year long. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples and pears with the tartness of cranberries, balanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. By preserving this filling, you can have a ready-made dessert option on hand for pies, crumbles, or as a topping for treats like pancakes and ice cream. Not only is home-canning a great way to capture fruit at its peak ripeness, but it also allows you to control the quality and ingredients of your food. Follow these easy steps to create a vibrant, flavorful filling that will bring a taste of the harvest to your table, any time of year. This recipe comes from The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving. It will yield 3 quart jars of Apple Pear Cranberry Pie Filling.
Spiced Apple Wedges
Indulge in the enchanting flavors of autumn with these Spiced Apple Wedges, that combine the simplicity of ingredients into a delightful treat. The recipe explores the art of crafting the perfect spiced apple wedges, focusing on the selection of apple varieties like Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Lady, and Rome Beauty, each contributing its unique character to the dish. The infusion of cinnamon red hot candies, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ground ginger creates a symphony of scents and tastes, while vinegar, light corn syrup, and optional red food coloring balance the flavors. This water bath canning recipe with step-by-step instructions comes from Ball Canning’s Complete Book of Home Preserving.
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Apple Jelly
I love this apple jelly recipe and use it on simple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It can also be used as a glaze for roasted meats or as a decadent pastry filling. This water bath canning recipe with step-by-step instructions comes from the Ball Canning Back To Basics Book. Use this recipe to achieve the perfect gel without losing the natural apple flavor.
Apple Pie Jam
Looking for a unique jam to add to your pantry? This Apple Pie Jam recipe combines the sweet, spiced flavors of a classic apple pie with the convenience of a spreadable preserve. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, this jam captures the essence of fall in every jar. It’s perfect for canning, and the post includes helpful tips on preserving, storage, and creative ways to use it—from spreading it on toast to serving it with cheese or even using it as a glaze for meats. Ideal for gifting or enjoying year-round! This recipe comes from the All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving and will yield 5 half-pint jars of Apple Pie Jam.
