Although apples are a hardy fruit for keeping, finding ways to preserve them is an even more foolproof way to have them on hand. Applesauce is one of the easiest ways to can or freeze apples. Kids love it and it makes a great addition to any holiday table. Many traditional applesauce recipes contain a surprising amount of white sugar (although there are a few with very little sugar). Substituting honey and using the right kind of apples can significantly cut down on the amount of sweetener needed making an applesauce that is a healthy snack.
Selecting Apples
Having an apple tree in the yard means a ready supply for applesauce (and everything else) but for those who need to seek out apples to make their sauce variety selection can be important. For a sweeter product, try apples like Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Empire, Fuji or Baldwin. To make a sweet and tart combination add a few apples such as Braeburn, McIntosh or Pink Lady. A mix of apples will add depth to the applesauce and for the adventurous, a few pears, particularly Seckel, Comice or Asian will add even more texture and subtlety.
Cooking with Honey
Although using honey as a substitute for sugar will, overall, reduce the amount of sucrose and calories it is still a sugar and is an unacceptable substitute for diabetics. Honey contains 64 calories per tablespoon versus white sugar's 46 calories per tablespoon however, in most cooking honey will be used at only 1/3 (or less) the amount of sugar.Honey also retains moisture allowing the fruits to stew in their own juices without having to add additional liquids.
Honey, like apples, comes in many varieties that have individual flavors. Light honeys (like clover or tupelo) will enhance the flavor of the fruit itself while darker honeys (like mesquite or raspberry) will impart their own flavors to the applesauce. Experimenting with different apples and honeys will help determine what you and your family likes or dislikes as well as allow for a completely personal recipe that will be unlikely to be duplicated elsewhere.
Sweetening to Taste
Regardless of the apples and honey you choose to use, keeping close tabs on the sauce as it cooks will allow quick fixes to create a perfectly spiced and sweetened applesauce. While the applesauce is cooking, stir it often and make sure it is not scorching. After the apples are softened, begin tasting the sauce for sweetness. Honey can be added even after the sauce is cooked but it is best to balance the flavors prior to removing the pot from the burner.
Honey Applesauce Recipe
- 6lbs of apples (or a combination of apples and pears) cored, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup honey
- water or apple cider, as necessary
- Allspice to taste (optional)
Directions:
- Mix apples with honey and place in saucepan. Over medium heat, bring apples to a boil. Maintaining a medium temperature will allow the apples to release their juices but if there is any concern about scorching or burning, add water or apple cider 1/4 cup at a time as needed.
- Allow the apples to boil, stirring often, until soft, usually 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once the apples are soft, taste for sweetness. Add additional honey and/or spices if using.
- Boil another five minutes or so to blend the flavors. Do not overcook or the honey will begin to turn the sauce very brown and possibly scorch.
- Remove the pot from the heat. If canning the sauce, use a hot pack method and a hot water bath. If the applesauce is to be frozen, allow the sauce to cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
Jessica Ferguson - Jess-of-all-trades! You name it, I'm probably interested in it. 15+ years experience as a gardener and naturalist and all that comes ...
