Are you a lover of applesauce but worried about the sugar content in store-bought options? Look no further than making your own applesauce with small apples! One small apple yields around 89 calories, making it a nutritious and low-calorie addition to your diet.

Not only is Homemade applesauce lower in sugar, but it's also packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients and flavors added to your applesauce.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of making applesauce at home, different ways to sweeten applesauce, healthy substitutes for sugar, storage and preserving methods, creative recipes to use applesauce in, and more!

Benefits of making applesauce at home

Making applesauce at home allows you to have complete control over the ingredients and flavors added. You can choose to add less sugar, use natural sweeteners, or even mix in other fruits for added flavor and nutrients. Homemade applesauce is also preservative-free and typically fresher than store-bought options. This means that you can enjoy the full benefits of the fruit, including high fiber and vitamin C content. Additionally, making applesauce can be a fun activity to do with friends or family and provides a convenient way to use up an abundance of small apples.

How to make applesauce with small apples

First, wash and cut your small apples into small chunks. Be sure to remove any stems, seeds, or cores. Next, add the apple chunks to a large pot with a splash of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Finally, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the cooked apples until you reach your desired consistency. Add any sweeteners or spices at this point and enjoy!

Different ways to sweeten applesauce

One way to sweeten applesauce without sugar is to use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. These options provide a sweet taste without the added calories or negative health effects of refined sugar. Another option is to add other naturally sweet fruits to your applesauce, like bananas or pears. This adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness while increasing the nutrient content. Lastly, you can also use spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the natural sweetness of your applesauce without adding any sugar at all.

Healthy substitutes for sugar in applesauce

Stevia is a natural, low-calorie sweetener that can be used in place of sugar in many recipes. It's derived from the stevia plant and has been shown to have no negative health effects. Another option is to use date paste, which is made from dates and water. This adds natural sweetness and fiber to your applesauce without the added calories of sugar. Lastly, you can try using unsweetened applesauce as a base and adding in fresh or frozen berries for added sweetness and flavor.

Storage and preserving methods for applesauce

One option is to freeze your applesauce in airtight containers or freezer bags. This allows you to enjoy your Homemade applesauce for up to 6 months. Another option is to can your applesauce using a pressure canner. This requires some additional equipment and knowledge, but can be a great way to preserve your applesauce for long periods of time. Lastly, you can store your applesauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in airtight containers.

Creative ways to use applesauce in recipes

One way to use applesauce is as a substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes. This reduces the fat and calorie content while adding moisture to the recipe. Another option is to use applesauce as a sweetener in smoothies or yogurt bowls. This adds a natural sweetness and flavor while increasing the nutrient content of the dish. Lastly, you can use applesauce as a base for salad dressings or marinades. This adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish while reducing the need for additional oils or sugars.

Adding spices to applesauce for flavor

Cinnamon is a classic spice to add to applesauce, providing a sweet and warming flavor. Nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom can also enhance the natural sweetness of your applesauce and provide additional health benefits. Ginger adds a spicy kick to your applesauce while also aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. Turmeric is another spice to consider, as it provides a distinctive flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits. Lastly, you can add black pepper to your applesauce to enhance the absorption of turmeric in the body and provide a unique flavor profile.

Making applesauce in bulk for meal prep

First, choose your favorite Homemade applesauce recipe and double or triple the ingredients accordingly. Choose small apples to ensure a nutrient-dense and flavorful applesauce. Next, follow the recipe instructions as normal and cook the applesauce in large pots or slow cookers. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking. Finally, divide the applesauce into airtight containers or jars and store in the refrigerator or freezer according to your preferences. Now you have a delicious and healthy topping or ingredient for meals throughout the week!

Tips for selecting the best small apples for applesauce

Choose apples that are sweet and flavorful, like Galas or Honeycrisps. These varieties tend to have a higher sugar content and provide a natural sweetness to the applesauce. Avoid apples that are mealy or have bruises or blemishes. These can affect the taste and texture of your applesauce and reduce the nutrient content. Lastly, consider using a variety of apples to add depth of flavor and texture to your applesauce. Mix and match sweet and tart varieties for a unique and flavorful applesauce.

How applesauce can fit into your daily diet

Add applesauce to your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet and nutritious breakfast option. Use applesauce as a substitute for oil or sugar in baking recipes to reduce the calorie and fat content of your favorite treats. Lastly, use applesauce as a topping for pancakes or waffles instead of syrup. This provides a sweet and flavorful option without the added sugar.