As summer fades and autumn approaches, many people find themselves with an abundance of apples, and the question arises: what to do with them all? While apple pies and tarts are popular choices, homemade applesauce is a simple, healthier, and more natural alternative to store-bought versions.
But does applesauce need lemon juice? The answer is yes, and here’s why.
The Role of Lemon Juice in Applesauce
Lemon juice is a key ingredient that unlocks the full potential of homemade applesauce. It enhances the flavor, preserves the color, and extends the shelf life of your homemade creation.
Enhancing Flavor: Lemon juice, being highly acidic, brings out the brightness of the apples and balances their sweetness. The best applesauce is a harmonious blend of sweet and tart notes, and lemon juice helps achieve this balance. If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use orange juice or apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
Preserving Color: Lemon juice acts as a natural preservative, preventing the applesauce from browning. This is because lemon juice slows down oxidation. Adding lemon juice helps the sauce maintain a good color over time.
Extending Shelf Life: Lemon juice helps keep your applesauce fresh for longer. Its acidic properties inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, extending the shelf life of your homemade applesauce.
How to Make the Best Applesauce with Lemon Juice
Here’s a simple recipe for making delicious homemade applesauce with lemon juice:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds (1.8kg) crisp sweet apples
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- One 3-inch cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 whole star anise, optional
- Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or other sweetener to taste, optional
Instructions:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into large chunks or wedges.
- Place the apples, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and star anise (if using) into a large, heavy pot.
- Add 1/4 cup of water, then stir the apples around the pot a few times.
- Cover the pot with its lid and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft, for 25 to 35 minutes. Check to make sure the pot is not dry, and add more water if needed.
- Remove the lid, let the apples cool for a few minutes, and then taste the applesauce. If you would like to add a sweetener, add it to taste.
- Mash or blend the apples into your desired consistency. If you leave the apple skins on, use a food mill fitted with the medium disk to quickly separate the applesauce from the skins. You can also pass the sauce through a mesh strainer to separate the skins from the sauce.
- Let the applesauce cool. It will thicken as it cools, but if it seems too watery, return it to a pot and simmer until reduced slightly.
Tips for Perfecting Your Applesauce
- Choose the right apples: Any type of apple can be used for applesauce, but it’s best to use apples that are at least semi-sweet. Sweet apples like Fuji or Golden Delicious, or slightly tart apples like McIntosh or Jonamac are good choices. A combination of sweet and tart apples will give you a balanced flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you use tart apples, you may need to add a little sweetener to balance the flavor. Honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar are all good options.
- Leave the peels on (optional): Applesauce made with apples with the peel left on has more color and flavor. If you don’t mind the texture of the peels, you can leave them on. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can peel the apples before cooking or use a food mill or strainer to remove the peels after cooking.
- Add spices: Experiment with different spices to add depth and complexity to your applesauce. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and star anise are all popular choices.
- Store properly: Store your homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy Your Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Eat it as a snack, a side dish, or even a dessert. You can also use it as an ingredient in other recipes, such as muffins, cakes, and breads.
With its enhanced flavor, vibrant color, and extended shelf life, adding lemon juice to your applesauce is a simple step that makes a world of difference.