Are you new to canning and preserving? If so, start by making your own homemade applesauce.
If you can get free apples from your backyard or a nearby orchard, great!
Otherwise, look for sales at your local farmer's market or supermarket.
Making applesauce from scratch is an excellent way to try homesteading today. Even better, it is a tasty way to store apples long-term.
Use these step-by-step instructions to start with this simple vintage recipe for homemade applesauce from my printable cookbook, Pantry Preserves for Beginners.
How to Make Homemade Applesauce
How to Make Homemade Applesauce
Learn how to make homemade applesauce with this easy recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 12 lbs apples, peeled, cored & quartered(about 36 medium)
- Water
- 3 cups granulated sugar, optional
- 4 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash, peel, core and dice apples.
- Take the prepared apples and cover with just enough water to prevent sticking in a large stainless steel saucepan.
- Bring the apples and water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring occasionally until apples are tender (time will depend upon the variety of apple and their maturity).
- Remove from heat and let them cool slightly about 5 minutes.
- In small batches puree the apples until smooth with a food mill or food processer.
- Add the apple purée back to the saucepan and add sugar & lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Maintain a gentle boil over low heat while filling jars.
- Add the hot applesauce into jars leaving ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.
- Using the water bath canner method, process for 20 minutes.
Notes
Learn about easy ways to get started canning at home to secure your food supply today.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size ½ cupAmount Per Serving Calories 645Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 11mgCarbohydrates 169gFiber 16gSugar 146gProtein 2g
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Sarita Harbour
Yes! We've made applesauce with crabapples many times, however, they're very sour, lol. So you may need to adjust your sugar content. I've also combined varieties, and the same thing goes. Some apples have a higher water content and break down more easily; others retain their shape for a chunkier style apple. I'd say try it!
Kathi A Vela
I've just moved to 'the hills' and have discovered very old apple trees; 2 of them some type of apple not familiar with, and a crabapple tree. I've been picking the apples to do something with as I feel it is wasteful to just leave them on the ground. That being said, would I be able to use both types of apples to make applesauce?
Thank you for your help.
Terri L Shifflett
Do you need to use that much sugsr?
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Yum, sounds good! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 18, open until November 26. Shared.
Rachael/Milk Glass Home
I love a good applesauce and this one looks like a classic! I can't wait until we have our own apple trees and can make our own from homegrown apples. For now, we sometimes just do small batches if we want some on hand. Thanks for sharing!