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Canned Applesauce

Several cans of homemade applesauce on a countertop.

Originally shared by Megan Erickson, former SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist.

Try this research-tested recipe for canned applesauce courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Ingredients

  • 21 pounds, Apples, sweet
  • 3 grams, Ascorbic acid (optional)
  • 1/8 cup, Sugar (optional)

Yield: Makes about 7 quarts.

Directions

To Prepare

Wash, peel, and core apples. If desired, slice apples into 1 gallon of water containing 3 grams of ascorbic acid to prevent browning.

Applesauce

  1. Place drained slices and ½ cup water in a 8-to-10-quart pot. Stirring occasionally to prevent burning, heat quickly until tender; about 5 to 20 minutes.
  2. Press through a sieve or food mill, or skip the pressing if a chunk-style sauce is preferred.
  3. Sauce may be packed without sugar, but if desired, add 1/8 cup sugar per quart of sauce. Reheat sauce to boiling.
  4. Fill jars with hot sauce, leaving ½-inch headspace. Secure lids and process using a water bath for 20 minutes (Altitudes above 1,000 ft require an increase in processing time).

Canning Tips

 Selection & Preparation

  • If a tart flavor is preferred, add 1 to 2 pounds of tart apples to each 3 pounds of sweet apples.
  • More sugar can be added to taste during step 3.
  • Can purchase commercially prepared ascorbic acid mixture. Follow directions on package.
  • Instructions on water bath canning can be found in this resource.

Adjusting for Altitude

Altitude (feet)
Water Bath (minutes added)
1,001-2,000
5 minutes
2,001-4,000
5 minutes
4,001-6,000
5 minutes
6,001-8,000
10 minutes
8,001-10,000
10 minutes

SDSU Extension recommends using evidence-based recipes when engaging in food preservation at home. The recipe above has been research-tested and provided by the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Do not modify ingredients.

Related Topics

Canning Recipes