Applesauce is a popular side dish and snack, especially for kids. It’s made by cooking down apples into a thick, smooth puree. Applesauce can be enjoyed right away or frozen for later. Freezing is an excellent way to preserve homemade applesauce so you can enjoy it year-round. But how well does applesauce actually freeze? Let’s take a closer look.
Does Applesauce Freeze Well?
The good news is that applesauce freezes remarkably well. The smooth, thick texture of applesauce makes it ideal for freezing. Applesauce contains high amounts of pectin, which is a natural thickener found in fruits like apples. The pectin keeps the applesauce from separating or becoming watery when frozen.
Applesauce also has a relatively low water content compared to other fruits and vegetables. Foods with high water content are more prone to texture changes during freezing. But the low moisture level in applesauce prevents iciness and crystallization.
So thanks to its thick, smooth texture and low water content, applesauce holds up very well in the freezer.
How to Freeze Homemade Applesauce
Freezing homemade applesauce is simple:
1. Allow it to cool completely
It’s important to let the applesauce cool down to room temperature before freezing. This prevents excess condensation from forming inside the freezer packaging. Cool the cooked applesauce to room temp before portioning it out.
2. Portion into freezer bags or containers
Divide the cooled applesauce into freezer bags, plastic containers, or small mason jars. Make sure to leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion. Applesauce can be frozen in batches as small as 1/2 cup.
For maximum freshness, use freezer bags or containers – mason jars may crack due to temperature changes. Make sure containers are microwave safe if you want to reheat frozen applesauce in the microwave.
3. Remove air and seal
Push out any excess air and tightly seal the bags or containers. The less air exposure, the better. You can use a straw to suck out extra air before sealing bags.
4. Label and freeze
Be sure to label bags or containers with the type and date. This lets you know when different batches were made.
Place flat in the freezer so they freeze quickly. Avoid over-stacking until completely frozen. Applesauce can be stored frozen for 8-12 months.
Tips for Freezing Applesauce
Follow these tips for best results when freezing applesauce:
– Use ripe, sweet apples. The best apples for applesauce include Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious. Sweeter varieties make the best frozen applesauce.
– Season before freezing. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to suit your taste. Frozen applesauce lacks the robust flavor of fresh.
– Avoid freezing chunky applesauce. The texture will degrade during freezing. Only freeze smooth, pureed applesauce.
– Freeze in single serve portions. Thaw only what you’ll use instead of a whole batch.
– Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing containers. This prevents freezer burn.
– Store applesauce towards the back of the freezer. The coldest section (-10 to 0°F) maintains quality best.
Thawing Frozen Applesauce
Thawing frozen applesauce is simple:
– Refrigerator: Thaw overnight in the fridge.
– Countertop: Thaw for 1-2 hours on the counter.
– Microwave: Microwave individual portions for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir and heat fully.
– Boiling water: Submerge bag or container in boiling water for a few minutes.
– Cold water: Run bag or container under cold water until thawed.
Thawed applesauce will keep for 5 days refrigerated. Avoid refreezing thawed applesauce more than once. Reheating thawed applesauce before serving improves the flavor and texture.
How Does Frozen Applesauce Differ from Fresh?
Freezing does change applesauce in some ways:
– Texture: Frozen and thawed applesauce is slightly softer than fresh. It loses some firmness.
– Color: Freezing oxidizes applesauce, making it darker brown. Ascorbic acid helps minimize browning.
– Flavor: Frozen applesauce lacks some vibrancy and brightness. Seasoning before freezing helps counteract this.
– Aroma: Freshly made applesauce has a stronger apple aroma. Frozen and thawed has a more muted, subtle scent.
– Nutrition: No significant nutrient loss occurs during freezing. Vitamin C content may decrease over long storage.
Despite these changes, frozen applesauce retains the smooth, spreadable texture needed for eating and cooking. And the apple flavor still shines through.
Frozen Applesauce Uses
Besides eating it as a side or snack, frozen applesauce has many versatile uses:
– Smoothie: Blend with yogurt, milk, ice, and other fruit.
– Oatmeal: Mix into oats for added sweetness.
– Baking: Substitute for oil or eggs in cakes and bread.
– Meatballs: Bind meat mixtures instead of breadcrumbs.
– Pancakes: Fold into batter for moistness.
– Ice cream: Swirl into ice cream base before churning.
– Glaze: Heat and drizzle over pork chops or baked ham.
– Baby food: Thaw and serve as finger food or puree.
So don’t limit frozen applesauce to just a simple side dish! Get creative with it in recipes.
Storing Other Apple Products
Besides applesauce, other apple products freeze well too:
Apple slices
– Prepare: Blanch sliced apples briefly in boiling water to inhibit browning. Cool completely.
– Package: Arrange slices in a single layer on a tray or plate. Freeze until firm. Transfer to freezer bags.
– Use: Enjoy in pies, crisps, sauces, baked goods. Rehydrate in juices or water.
Apple pie filling
– Prepare: Make your favorite pie filling. Cool fully before freezing.
– Package: Spoon into containers or bags, leaving headspace. Press plastic against surface.
– Use: Thaw in fridge before baking into pies, tarts, cobblers.
Applesauce muffins or bread
– Prepare: Allow baked goods to cool fully. Wrap individually if desired.
– Package: Place in freezer bags or containers.
– Use: Thaw at room temp or reheat briefly before enjoying.
Dehydrated apple chips
– Prepare: Slice apples thin and dehydrate 4-6 hours until crisp.
– Package: Place chips in freezer bags or airtight containers.
– Use: Enjoy as crunchy, sweet snacks. Rehydrate for pies or baked goods if desired.
So don’t throw away excess apples from apple picking or the farmers market. Preserve them in tasty recipes to enjoy later!
Conclusion
Applesauce is the ideal candidate for freezing. Thanks to its naturally thick, smooth texture and low moisture content, applesauce stays in prime quality during freezing and thawing. Be sure to start with fully ripe, sweet apples. Allow cooked applesauce to cool completely before portioning into freezer bags or containers. Remove excess air and seal. Label and freeze for up to 12 months.
Thaw applesauce in the refrigerator, microwave, or with warm water bath. Reheating before eating improves flavor and texture. While frozen applesauce differs slightly from fresh in color, scent, and texture, it retains the quintessential apple flavor. Use thawed applesauce in a variety of dishes like smoothies, oatmeal, cakes, breads, and more.
With proper preparation and storage, you can enjoy homemade applesauce all year long after freezing. So take advantage of peak apple season by whipping up big batches of applesauce to freeze. Your future self will thank you!