Applesauce is easy and quick to make at home, and only needs a few basic ingredients.
Although applesauce is easily available at the store, nothing compares to the homemade version. Not only is it quick and tasty, it’s also very healthy! Unless, of course, you serve it with ice cream, like I do.
The secret to my dad’s applesauce is that he adds a couple strips of lemon peel to the apples, as well as some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, while they are cooking. The tartness of the lemon or vinegar serves to intensify the taste of the apples, and helps balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
The best apples for homemade applesauce
You can cook one single type of apple if you like, but for a more complex flavor, I like to use a variety of both sweet and tart apples. There are so many kinds you can choose from: Honeycrisp (Minnesota’s favorite apple!), Granny Smith, Jonathan, Macintosh, Braeburn, Fuji, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Macoun, and more all make delicious homemade applesauce.
How to make homemade applesauce
All you need to do is put the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Then, lower the heat, cover with a lid, and cook for at least 15 minutes, remembering to stir occasionally.
How to use lemon juice to prevent browning of fruit
FAQ
Why does applesauce need lemon juice?
Is it safe to can applesauce without lemon juice?
What makes applesauce taste better?
Why did you add lemon juice to the apples before they were pureed?
Why do applesauce have lemon juice?
There’s actually a couple reasons for this. Lemon juice is highly acidic which helps bring out the brightness of the apples while balancing out the sweetness. Also, fun fact: lemon juice acts as a natural preservative which will help keep your applesauce fresh (just like it helps to prevent fruit salad from browning).
Can one use bottled lemon juice for health benefits?
Unfortunately, bottled lemon juice will not offer you the same benefits as fresh one. In addition, bottled juice has a high amount of sugar added, such as fructose syrup, which doesn’t help you to have better health. What is more, vitamin C, naturally contained in fresh lemon juice, decreases after a few minutes in the air.
Can you add lemon juice to applesauce?
Many folks might not know this, but adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice is essential for making applesauce (via PennState Extension ). Lemon juice can be used to counter the sweetness of your applesauce if you haven’t tossed in both sweet and tart apples in the mix. Additionally, lemon juice is essential to preventing the apples from browning.
Does lemon juice make applesauce Brown?
Lemon juice can be used to counter the sweetness of your applesauce if you haven’t tossed in both sweet and tart apples in the mix. Additionally, lemon juice is essential to preventing the apples from browning. Surprised? Don’t be. You’ve probably noticed that when you leave apple wedges on the counter, they’ll start to turn brown.