Posted by thehoodmagazine | Food, Sponsored Content, 6 | 0
Sponsored By SDSU Extension
This article was originally printed in the September/October 2025 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue.
Fall is here! Many families are heading out to enjoy their local orchard to pick some apples. Preserving apples is a wonderful way for families to spend time together, create memories, and stock their pantry with delicious snacks. Here are some fun, family-friendly ways to preserve apples!
Selecting Your Apples
When selecting apples, choose firm and crisp varieties. You can mix up the flavor by choosing sweet apples, tart apples, or a combination of both. Avoid apples that show signs of spoilage.
Preparing Your Apples
Always begin by washing your apples under cool, running water. Apples can discolor and darken when cut and exposed to air. Pre-treatments help prevent darkening. Ascorbic acid is an effective pre-treatment. It can be found in powdered or tablet form in grocery stores. Mix 1 teaspoon (or six tablets) in 2 cups of water and soak fruit for 3 to 5 minutes. Another popular way to pre-treat is to soak apple slices in a fruit juice high in vitamin C such as orange, pineapple, or lemon juice. Cover your apple slices in juice and soak for 3 to 5 minutes. The fruit juice may add its own color and flavor to the apple slices.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a simple recipe that is always a hit with kids! It can be made in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or on the stove top. Add cinnamon for a fun twist! Store your applesauce in the refrigerator and eat within 7-10 days. You can freeze or can your applesauce to help it last longer. If you are canning your applesauce, choose a research-tested recipe to ensure proper processing and a safe food product…