How to Can Apples for Crisp, Delicious Results
If you're looking for a way to preserve apples while maintaining their crisp texture, you're in for a treat. This method of canning apples results in fruit that's not as mushy as typical canned apples, making them perfect for snacking or adding to recipes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Ingredients and Equipment
9 pounds of apples
5-6 cups of sugar
Lemon juice
Water
Apple cider (with absorbic acid)
A large crock or a 5-gallon bucket
Water bath canner
Stainless steel pot
Jars and lids
Preparation
Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing, peeling, and cutting the apples into slices. If you encounter any brown spots, cut them off. Place the slices in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Layering the Apples and Sugar: In your crock or bucket, start by placing a layer of apple slices, approximately 5 cups. Sprinkle a layer of sugar over the apples, using between 1/2 to 3/4 cup. Repeat this process until all your apples and sugar are layered in the container.
Resting Period
Let the Apples Sit: Cover the crock and let the apples sit for 12 to 24 hours. This allows the apples to release their natural juices.
Preparing for Canning
Drain and Heat the Juice: After the resting period, drain the juice from the apples into a stainless steel pot. Add 4-5 cups of apple cider to the pot and heat the mixture.
Prepare the Canning Jars: Ensure your jars are hot before filling. This can be done by keeping them in hot water. Fill each jar with apples, leaving about an inch of headspace.
Canning Process
Add the Juice: Pour the hot juice over the apples in each jar, ensuring the liquid covers the apples and leaves about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a cloth dipped in vinegar to ensure a clean seal. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings until they are finger-tight.
Process in Water Bath Canner: Place the jars in a water bath canner, making sure they are covered by at least two inches of water. Bring the water to a rapid boil and process the jars for 20 minutes.
After Canning
Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely. Check the seals before storing. Properly sealed jars can be kept in a pantry.
Enjoy Your Canned Apples
These canned apples are versatile. Eat them straight from the jar, use them in chicken salads, or fry them for a tasty side dish. Unlike traditional canned apples, these retain a firmer texture, making them ideal for various recipes.
Conclusion
This method of canning apples not only preserves their flavor but also keeps them crisp. Whether you're looking for a new way to preserve your apple harvest or simply want a convenient snack option, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy the taste of fresh apples all year round with this easy canning process.
For more canning tips and recipes, be sure to check out other contributors in the January canning collaboration. Happy canning!
Ingredients
Directions
If you're looking for a way to preserve apples while maintaining their crisp texture, you're in for a treat. This method of canning apples results in fruit that's not as mushy as typical canned apples, making them perfect for snacking or adding to recipes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Ingredients and Equipment
9 pounds of apples
5-6 cups of sugar
Lemon juice
Water
Apple cider (with absorbic acid)
A large crock or a 5-gallon bucket
Water bath canner
Stainless steel pot
Jars and lids
Preparation
Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing, peeling, and cutting the apples into slices. If you encounter any brown spots, cut them off. Place the slices in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Layering the Apples and Sugar: In your crock or bucket, start by placing a layer of apple slices, approximately 5 cups. Sprinkle a layer of sugar over the apples, using between 1/2 to 3/4 cup. Repeat this process until all your apples and sugar are layered in the container.
Resting Period
Let the Apples Sit: Cover the crock and let the apples sit for 12 to 24 hours. This allows the apples to release their natural juices.
Preparing for Canning
Drain and Heat the Juice: After the resting period, drain the juice from the apples into a stainless steel pot. Add 4-5 cups of apple cider to the pot and heat the mixture.
Prepare the Canning Jars: Ensure your jars are hot before filling. This can be done by keeping them in hot water. Fill each jar with apples, leaving about an inch of headspace.
Canning Process
Add the Juice: Pour the hot juice over the apples in each jar, ensuring the liquid covers the apples and leaves about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a cloth dipped in vinegar to ensure a clean seal. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings until they are finger-tight.
Process in Water Bath Canner: Place the jars in a water bath canner, making sure they are covered by at least two inches of water. Bring the water to a rapid boil and process the jars for 20 minutes.
After Canning
Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely. Check the seals before storing. Properly sealed jars can be kept in a pantry.
Enjoy Your Canned Apples
These canned apples are versatile. Eat them straight from the jar, use them in chicken salads, or fry them for a tasty side dish. Unlike traditional canned apples, these retain a firmer texture, making them ideal for various recipes.
Conclusion
This method of canning apples not only preserves their flavor but also keeps them crisp. Whether you're looking for a new way to preserve your apple harvest or simply want a convenient snack option, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy the taste of fresh apples all year round with this easy canning process.
For more canning tips and recipes, be sure to check out other contributors in the January canning collaboration. Happy canning!
