Applesauce is a sweet concoction of apples that are crushed into a sauce. It can be made from apples that are peeled or from those that still have their skin, and enjoyed as a snack or side. Applesauce is typically added with sugar or honey to add more sweetness and is usually mixed with a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice or even nutmeg for added flavor.
Applesauce is often associated with feeding babies or added to potato pancakes, but before it can be utilized in any way it must be stored properly if you want it to last. One way of doing so is to can your applesauce, so that it can maintain it's enticing flavor. Canning is quite simple so if you are searching for a simple way to preserve your beloved homemade applesauce. Let's go through how canning works, and the best method for properly canning homemade applesauce.
Canning is a long-held tradition among many families and was one of the methods utilized for centuries as a means to ration and store food for rough winters and travel. Canning is a way to successfully preserve food for an extended amount of time, and many different foods can be successfully canned, not only applesauce -- jams, jellies, preserves, pickles and other fruits and vegetables can be kept fresh in a sealed jar. When properly canned, microorganisms that can be harmful are kept at bay and the food remains fresh. Today, because fruits and vegetables are so readily available in markets, canning apples is easier than ever and is done so as a means for gift giving rather than out of necessity.
There are two types of canning: raw pack and hot pack. Raw pack entails canning raw fruits and vegetables, while hot pack involves cooking or heating the food before processing. When it comes to applesauce, the hot pack method works best, especially for pureeing and ensuring that herbs and spices are fully cooked into the food. The process of canning is very easy, and anyone can do it. Once you get the hang of it and acquire your own means of spicing up your homemade applesauce, you will find just how much better tasting and fresher it is compared to the store-bought variety.
This recipe will give you many pints of applesauce in one sitting, allowing you to store plenty of applesauce for later while still enjoying a big batch immediately. For making the applesauce,you may use any type of apples that you prefer, from sweet Fuji apples to tart Granny Smiths.
Keep this recipe on hand for when you want a scrumptious, yet healthy snack to enjoy at any time.