If you don’t want to preserve your homemade applesauce through canning, you may opt to freeze it. But is it really the best way to go?
I make an incredible applesauce at home, and I freeze it for later use without any issues! The absence of milk ingredients makes it particularly well-suited for freezing. Just make sure to use proper containers, leave some space for expansion, and label them, and you are good to go for up to 6 months. Easy peasy!
Today, I’ll dive deep into the following:
- Can you freeze homemade applesauce?
- Is it better to freeze applesauce or can applesauce?
- How does freezing affect the taste
- Is homemade applesauce healthy?
Does homemade applesauce freeze well?
There is no doubt Homemade applesauce freezes exceptionally well (Better than you think)!
No dairy ingredients go into it. That’s why it doesn’t go bad when you put it in the freezer for a long period of time (Up to 6 months).
But before you go ahead, there are a few things you need to take care of. Firstly, put the applesauce in the right containers or freezer bags because the quality matters. And don’t forget to label them!
Also, you should leave some headspace on the top because it helps to minimize the risk of “freezer burn” (Which affects the texture and taste of your applesauce).
You might be aware of the fact that applesauce expands as it freezes. So, if you fill the container to the brim, it may crack or burst. This could make you really unhappy, and your effort would go to waste.
There’s more! If you leave some space at the top of the container (Which you should), it will become really easy to thaw and serve it afterward.
What I am trying to say is that homemade applesauce freezes well and remains in the best shape, but only if you follow the basic precautions.
Is it better to freeze applesauce or can applesauce?
Once you’ve prepared a large quantity of applesauce at home, you look to preserve it to savor its goodness for a long time. Now, you’ve got two options for it- Freezing or canning.
If you ask me, freezing is pretty straightforward, and you don’t need to be a pro to do it successfully.
The low temperatures of the freezer slow down the process of oxidation and enzymatic activity, which helps maintain the quality of your beloved homemade applesauce.
And you know what? Freezing (usually) doesn’t require any special equipment beyond standard kitchen items. So, even with nothing available (Except a freezer), you can do a job well done!
On the other hand, canning homemade applesauce is a bit complicated (But with its own perks). Also, you need to be savvy with canning; otherwise, there’s a risk of contamination.
The canning process involves heating the applesauce in jars to kill bacteria and creating a seal that keeps the contents safe.
Canned applesauce lasts for more time (Approximately 12 months), as compared to freezing.
Ultimately, it’s you who needs to decide whether to choose the easy route of freezing or go to full pro mode by opting for canning!
Does homemade applesauce need lemon juice?
Are you thinking about adding lemon juice to your homemade applesauce? To be honest, it’s a good thought!
Although it’s not necessary, there are some benefits that you simply can’t resist. Applesauce usually goes through oxidation over time, which turns its color to brown. Lemon juice (Having an acidic nature) fights against it.
It minimizes the oxidation process, preserves the color of the applesauce, and maintains its appearance for months to come.
And by the way, not everything is about looks! Lemon juice balances the sweetness of the apples, too. It makes sure that your taste buds enjoy that perfect sweet-and-tart combo.
I usually add around one to two tablespoons per batch of applesauce, but you can adjust it based on your taste preferences. No problem!
Does homemade applesauce taste good frozen?
You bet! Frozen homemade applesauce tastes as good as the fresh one (With a little bit of change, of course).
Here’s the lowdown on how the magic happens: When you freeze the applesauce, the super chilly temperatures slow down the degradation that can mess with its flavor over time. It’s similar to hitting the pause button!
The beauty of making homemade applesauce is that you’ve full control over the addition of ingredients. So, you never use any of those that are not freezer-friendly (Such as starch thickeners, gelatin, herbs, or any dairy product).
That’s the reason freezing your applesauce works so well and gives you a good supply for the future!
How do you defrost homemade applesauce?
After freezing homemade sauce, defrosting it is a simple process, and I’ve got a few methods for you:
1. Refrigerator Defrosting
Just take out the frozen applesauce container or bag from your freezer and immediately put it in your fridge. Allow it to thaw gradually (It may take several hours), and you’ll be done!
Although it’s the slowest method, it works wonderfully, and what do you get? A nice, perfect in appearance, and finger-licking applesauce!
2. Cold Water Defrosting
For a quicker defrost, the cold water method works like a charm. After taking out the frozen applesauce container or bag from the freezer, dunk it into a bowl of cold water. But let me tell you, it’s not done yet! Wait!
You need to change that water every 30 minutes. It’s a bit more hands-on approach than the freezer one, but the payoff is speedier thawing.
Is homemade applesauce healthy?
Homemade applesauce is a wholesome addition to your diet. Apples (The main ingredient) are nutrient-rich and provide you with essential dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support overall health.
It doesn’t include any junk you might find in store-bought kinds.
The dietary fiber in applesauce boosts:
- Digestive health
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Supports weight management
The best thing about making it at home is that you’ll not add any weird preservatives or loads of sugar but just pure apples.
And guess what? It’s perfect for all sorts of diets – gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan – you name it.
Here’s a pro tip: Go for organic apples, keep that skin on for extra fiber, and if you need a bit more sweetness, add a touch of honey. That’s it!
Ending Note!
Alright, folks, I’m done and dusted, and now there’s no wondering if you can freeze homemade applesauce. It’s super easy and a game-changer for keeping its goodness intact.
The taste of the frozen applesauce will be remarkably close to when you first made it. So, go ahead, freeze it, and have a stash of deliciousness ready whenever you crave for it!