How to Can Applesauce
Went a little overboard picking at the apple orchard? No worries, I'm going to show you how to can applesauce and stash your haul for months to come!
Servings: 8 pint (16 oz) jars
Calories: 644kcal
Ingredients
- 12 pounds whole apples peeled, cored, quartered, treated to prevent browning (see notes) and drained (about 36 medium)
- Water
- 3 cups granulated sugar optional
- 4 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
- Combine apples with just enough water to prevent sticking in a large stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 20 minutes, until apples are tender (time will depend upon the variety of apple and their maturity). Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer apples, working in batches, to a food mill or a food processor fitted with a metal blade and purée until smooth.
- Return apple purée to saucepan. Add sugar, if using, and 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.
- Ladle hot applesauce into hot jars leaving ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.
- Process jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.
Video
Notes
- To treat apple slices to prevent browning, mix 2 tablespoons lemon juice with 4 cups of water or ¼ teaspoon of ascorbic acid with 4 cups of water. Submerge peeled and sliced apple chunks in the mixture before cooking to prevent browning.
- For Chunky Applesauce: Coarsely crush half of the cooked apples and purée the other half; combine mixtures
- For Cinnamon Applesauce: add in 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon before pouring into jars.
Nutrition
Serving: 1whole pint | Calories: 644kcal | Carbohydrates: 169g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 737mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 146g | Vitamin A: 368IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg
