Preserving apples is a great way to enjoy them for longer. In this post, I will share four common preservation methods, as well as tons of other fun ideas you can try for using them up.
Having an overabundance of apples in the fall is a good problem to have!
But when your tree gives you more than you can use, or you went overboard picking them at the orchard (oops!), then it’s time to find creative ways to preserve your apples before they go bad.
From pies and fillings, to cakes and cookies, there are many, many ways that you can use this delicious fruit. But using up bushels of them before they go bad can be stressful and overwhelming.
That’s why it’s good to learn about different ways to keep them for future enjoyment.
In this guide, I’ll talk about some of my favorite apple preservation methods, and give you other ideas for making them last longer.
How To Preserve Apples Longer
The best part about preserving apples is that you have tons of options to choose from. Below are the most common methods to try for making them last longer.
Canning Apples
One of the most popular ways to preserve apples for the long term is by canning them, just like grandma used to do.
They’re excellent for making pies, crisps, cobblers, or just heating up for a quick snack during the winter months (like poured over ice cream, yum!).
It’s not difficult, and there’s an infinite number of ways to do it – from wedges to slices to whole fruit.
Heck, you could even can applesauce, apple butter, juice, cider, jams, and jellies…you name it.
Preserving Apples In The Freezer
Another great way to preserve apples is by freezing them. This is the fastest and easiest method, and perfect for beginners.
Just wash the fruit, peel it if you’d like, and cut them into slices or chunks.
Then spread them out on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid.
Transfer them to freezer bags, and label them with the date. They’ll last in the freezer for up to a year.
Drying Apples
Even if you don’t have a food dehydrator, you can dry apples to preserve them for later.
It’s easy to do. Just wash them, remove any bad spots, and cut them into thin slices.
Dry them in the oven on low heat for 8-12 hours, or use a dehydrator if you have one. Either way, the whole house will smell amazing.
Once they’re completely dry, you can put them into a zipper baggie, an air-tight jar, or other similar container.
Keep them in the pantry for six months or more. Learn exactly how to dry apples step by step here.
Fermenting Apples
If you’re brave enough to try it, fermenting is another option. To use this method, cover fresh slices or chunks with salt and lemon juice, or a sugar-water solution.
Then allow them to ferment for a few weeks. Once they’re ready, you can eat them right away, or keep them in the fridge for up to three months.
Related Post: Easy Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe
Other Fun Ways To Preserve Apples
There are all sorts of other ways to preserve apples. You can make them into sauce, pulp for jams and jellies, cider vinegar, juice, or even alcohol.
The list goes on and on, and you’ll never run out of recipes to try. Below are a few ideas of common ways to keep them longer.
- Applesauce – Not only is it a great snack for now, but it can be frozen or canned for later (if you can resist the urge to eat it all immediately).
- Apple butter – Spread it on toast, mix it into oatmeal, or use it as a dip for fruit slices or desserts – yum!
- Apple pie filling – If you don’t have time to bake pies in the fall, make the filling and freeze or can it for holidays and winter use.
- Apple cider vinegar – It’s easy to make and great for pickling, salad dressing, marinades, and so much more.
- Apple jelly or jam – Use as a glaze for pork chops, slather it on toast or bread, or eat it by the spoonful right out of the jar.
- Apple juice or cider – Make your own juice, or try some fun recipes like spiced or mulled cider.
As you can see, there are tons of ways to preserve fresh apples to make them last longer. Try them all, and you’ll never waste fruit from your tree again.
More Food Preservation Posts
- How To Store Apples For The Short & Long Term
- Free Canning Labels To Print For Mason Jars
- Preparing & Sterilizing Jars For Home Canning
Share your favorite ways to preserve apples in the comments section below.
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