Canning Apples 101: 3 Easy Recipes
October 28, 2013
Apples are everywhere during the fall season. The grocery store and farmer’s markets are filled with a variety of apples from sweet to tart. Purchasing in bulk while the prices are down and variety up is easy to do with a little canning know-how. It’s very easy to preserve these delicious fall treats to enjoy later in the year with these basic apple canning recipes.
The Canning Equipment
Apples are a great for the beginner because they don’t require use of pressure canning equipment to safely can them. Apples can be safely canned in a simple water bath. For around $30 you can purchase a water bath canner: a large basin that has a metal rack. Most water bath canners also come with a pair of canning tongs, funnel, metal lid lifter, and jar tightener. The only other things you will need are canning jars, lids, and rings.
The Process
Canning fruit is a pretty simple process. Follow recipe instructions (see below) and then place the full jars onto the metal rack in the canner. Once the water is boiling you will then lower the metal rack into the water. Ensure that 1-2 inches of water are above the top of the jars. Place the lid on the canner and process for the set amount of time in your recipe. Once the jars have processed, use the tongs to remove the jars. The jars should be placed anywhere that is room temperature. Do not place them in extremely drafty areas. Allow the jars to sit for 12-24 hours and you are done. As the jars cool to room temperature you will start noticing some loud popping sounds. These are the jars sealing shut.
Once 24 hours has passed, check each jar to ensure a seal has formed on the jars. You can do this by feeling in the center of the lid. If the lid can be pushed down it is not sealed. You can also test the jars by tapping the lids with a metal spoon. If the spoon makes a high pitched sound they are sealed, if it makes a dull thud they are not. Any jars that are not properly sealed should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 4 days.
Simple Syrup Apples
Ingredients:
- Water
- Sugar
- Apples
Directions:
Peel and core the apples and then cut them into slices or rings. For each 2-3 pounds of apples you will need 2 cups of sugar and 5 and a half cups of water. Heat the water and sugar on the stove until sugar dissolves. Heat until boil and then pour apples into mixture. Cook for 5 minutes. Scoop out the apples and place them into the canning jars leaving 1/2 inch of headspace, space between the top of the apples and the lid. Pour the liquid over the apple leaving the 1/2 headspace. Process the jars for 20 minutes.
Cinnamon Spice Apples
Make these apples exactly as stated in the simple syrup apples recipe only adding in cinnamon and all spice. I like my apples spicy so I add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of all spice to my recipe. You can add as much or as little spice as you would like. Cloves, nutmeg, and salt can also be added for a slightly different taste.
Applesauce
To make a simple applesauce all you will need is water and apples. Boil the apple slices until they can be easily mushed. You can then use a potato masher to mash the apples into a basic applesauce. You can also add sugar or cinnamon if you prefer. If you own a food processor, process the apples until they are the preferred consistency.
Apples are a great beginning fruit for budding canners an can be a lot of fun. Do you have any experience canning? What is your favorite recipe?
