Apples are such a versatile fruit. Check out these easy and scrumptious ways to use fresh apples in your fall dish.
When is Apple Season
Fresh apples are available in Oklahoma throughout mid-August to October The availability is dependent on the variety. Gala Apples are the earliest variety and Fuji is the latest available in mid-October.
What to Do with Fresh Apples
So what do we do when fresh apples are in abundance? Apples are a versatile fruit just like some of the other seasonal fruits we covered, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and peaches. Fresh apples can be dehydrated, pureed for smoothies or applesauce, pickled, juiced, baked, or frozen for recipes later.
Storing Fresh Cut Apples
Keeping Sliced Apples Fresh
Fresh cut apples can start to brown within 15 minutes, but fortunately there are many ways to keep apple slices fresh. But in this experiment, she found the best way to keep cut apples fresh is to soak them in salt water for five minutes before rinsing them in tap water. Even at room temperature, they didn’t brown for 12 hours and stayed nice and crisp overnight.
Freezing Fresh Apples
Another way to preserve freshness is to freeze the apples. Unlike blueberries, apples do not need to be blanched before putting in the freezer. Simply, line a baking sheet with a piece of baking parchment, then arrange the apple pieces or slices on the parchment so they’re not touching each other. Freezing the fruit on the highest setting, so the ice crystals are smaller and the fruit retains more of its nutritional benefits.
How to Dehydrate Fresh Apples
Apples don’t need to be peeled before dehydrated. Just cut around the core and slice thinly. Just apply the saltwater solution and rinse. Then add honey, cinnamon or other seasoning as desired. You can dehydrate using a dehydrator or oven set at 100 degrees. Cook the slices for an hour, turn them over and cook for another hour. If you want them to crisp, leave them longer. Then open the oven door slightly and leave until the oven has completely cooled. These dried apples will keep in an airtight container for a week.
Pureed Apples
Apple puree can be used in a variety of ways – apple crumbles, apple pies or just as it is. It can also be made into fruit leather, which is a healthy alternative for a kids snack. You can also make homemade apple sauce, which fun and easy to make with the kids while providing another healthy kids favorite.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is healthy, versatile and a great use of extra apples. It’s a great skill to have in your homesteading book too. You can use cut up apples or the scraps from other recipes, so either way you’re reducing food waste, too!
Apple Juice
Homemade apple juice is far tastier than any commercial variety, and you can experiment by mixing different apples to get a sweeter or more sour flavor. Unlike orange juice, to make apple juice you must have a juicer, but if this is a family favorite, it is worth the investment.
Baked Apples
Who don’t love a fresh homemade apple pie? Baked apples are always a good way to go. To make it easier, you can purchase an all-in-one apple corer, peeler, slicer to make baked apple recipes a breeze. I’ve listed some of my favorite apple recipes, but leave a comment with yours and I’ll add them to the list!
Fresh Apple Recipes
Apple Pie Cheesecake Jars
I love adorable little dessert jars. I just can’t get over how cute they are. These Apple Pie Cheesecake Jars are sure to please everyone with their creamy, fruity, deliciousness!
Caramel Apple Bites
These sweet chocolate dipped caramel apple bites are easy to eat, fun to make, and so delicious, you’re going to want to make them again and again. They great for party treats or a fun activity for the family!
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe
Everyone needs an old Fashioned apple crisp recipe for their recipe book. This is one grandma is sure to be proud of!
Baked Apples
It doesn’t get much easier than these baked apples with just a few ingredients! Try this recipe for your next fall party or gathering.
Sliced Caramelized Apples
This is a super healthy, but scrumptious and simple baked sliced apple recipe. It’s simple to make and will pair well with other fall party dishes.
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There are so many ways to use fresh apples because they’re such a versatile fruit. What’s your favorite way to use fresh apples?