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Canning Apples and Applesauce

Source: University of Wisconsin

There are many ways to use and store apples for the fall and winter months. Apples can retain their freshness even after several months of refrigeration.

To can apples: wash, drain, core, pare and slice, half or quarter the apples. Drop apples into a water and lemon juice solution, or into ascorbic-citric acid-water solution to prevent discoloration. Rinse the apples and boil in a medium syrup of one cup sugar to two cups water, for 3 to 5 minutes. Pack them hot into standard canning jars. Cover with hot syrup or water, leaving one-half inch headspace. Pretreat lids as directed, seal and process in a boiling water bath. Hot packed apples are processed for 20 minutes for both pints and quarts. If using a pressure canner, process apples for 8 minutes at 5 or 6 pounds of pressure. Adjustments need to be made for altitudes above 1000 feet.

To can apples sugar-free, preheat fruit over low heat in water or fruit juice. Pack hot, and cover with hot precooking liquid. Pretreat lids as directed, seal and process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.

To prepare applesauce, sweetened or unsweetened, heat to simmering, stirring to keep from sticking. As it is cooking, the applesauce will bubble. However, this does not mean it is a boiling temperature. Make sure to cook the applesauce until it reaches the simmering temperature in the center. While the apples are still hot, pack into jars, leaving one-half inch headspace, and process.

Prevent bubbly and fermented applesauce by proper cooking and processing. Without processing in a boiling water bath canner or pressure canner, mold spores and other spoilage organisms may enter jars as you fill them--via equipment, air, jars, lids, sauce or headspace.

Because applesauce is a thick mass, you can successfully process it in a pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure. Process pints for 8 minutes and quarts for 10 minutes. If you prefer the boiling water bath canner, process pints for 15 minutes and quarts for 20 minutes.

If you need further information, please contact your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

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