Can you freeze homemade applesauce?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to freeze homemade applesauce. Freezing allows you to preserve fresh applesauce for longer term storage. Frozen applesauce will maintain its texture and flavor for up to 12 months when properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Steps for freezing applesauce:
1. Allow fresh applesauce to cool completely after cooking. Hot applesauce should be refrigerated first to bring it down to room temperature before freezing.
2. Spoon applesauce into freezable containers like plastic freezer bags, plastic containers, or glass jars leaving 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Make sure containers are clean and dry.
3. Squeeze out excess air and seal bags/containers tightly.
4. Label bags or containers with contents and freeze-by date.
5. Place in freezer. Lay bags flat to freeze quickly and maximize space.
6. Once frozen solid, bags can be stacked or stood upright.
Tips for best quality frozen applesauce:
– Use ripe, flavorful apples to make the initial applesauce. The better the fresh applesauce, the better the frozen version will taste.
– Freeze applesauce within 2 days of making for optimal freshness and texture.
– Use freezer bags or airtight rigid containers to prevent freezer burn.
– Fill containers 3/4 full to leave room for expansion as applesauce freezes.
– Press out excess air before sealing bags or containers.
– Don’t overcook applesauce before freezing. Cook just until desired consistency is reached.
– Blend slightly chunkier applesauce before freezing for a smoother, freezer-stable consistency.
– Pack thawed applesauce into lunch boxes or thermoses with a freezer pack if taking on-the-go.
Can you freeze store bought applesauce?
Yes, it is safe to freeze store bought applesauce as well. The same general guidelines apply:
– Let applesauce cool to room temperature before freezing.
– Re-pack into airtight freezer bags or containers, allowing headspace.
– Squeeze out excess air, seal, label and freeze.
– Once frozen, store upright or stacked in the freezer.
– Use within 12 months for best quality and flavor.
Freezing enables you to buy store bought applesauce in larger, more economical sizes and portion out for later use.
Considerations when freezing store bought applesauce:
– Check ingredient lists and select preservative-free, additive-free applesauce when possible. Ingredients like ascorbic acid help extend shelf life but aren’t necessary for freezing.
– Avoid applesauces with added sugar or sweeteners. Sugars like high fructose corn syrup or sucrose can cause browning or seperation when thawed.
– Re-pack into practical portion sizes according to your usage. Avoid repeatedly thawing and re-freezing large containers.
– Generic or store brands often freeze well at a lower cost than premium or organic brands.
– Canned applesauce freezes well too. Simply transfer to freezer bags or containers per usual instructions.
How long does frozen applesauce last?
Properly stored frozen applesauce maintains peak quality and flavor for:
– 6-8 months in a regular freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder
– 12 months in a deep freezer at -4°F (-20°C) or colder
The freezer storage times above are for best quality. Frozen applesauce stays safe to eat indefinitely, but texture and taste will degrade over time.
Signs applesauce has been frozen too long include:
– Dry, crumbly texture
– Loss of natural color
– Dull, muted flavors
– Excess wateriness when thawed
– Unnatural browning
For optimal flavor and performance, use frozen applesauce within the recommended 6-12 month timeframe. Properly stored frozen applesauce is a convenient way to enjoy seasonal apples year round!
How to track freezer storage times:
– Label all frozen applesauce containers with a freeze-by date based on the 6-12 month guidelines.
– Use oldest frozen applesauce first to practice good stock rotation. Move newer containers to the back.
– Keep an inventory list taped inside your freezer with all contents and freeze dates noted. Cross off items as you use them up.
– Set reminder alerts on your smart phone calendar when frozen foods approach expiry dates.
– Write freeze dates on a marker board inside the freezer door for easy reference.
Can you re-freeze thawed applesauce?
It’s not recommended to re-freeze thawed applesauce. Thawed applesauce is best kept refrigerated and used within 3-5 days. Re-freezing can degrade the quality, texture and taste.
If you thawed more applesauce than you can use up:
– Keep refrigerated up to 5 days.
– Repurpose into baking recipes like muffins, cakes or applesauce bread. The added spices and sugar will mask flavor changes.
– Blend with fresh applesauce or juices to restore moisture and dilute changed flavors.
– Use as a mix-in for oatmeal or yogurt parfaits. The combo of textures and flavors helps.
– Add to smoothies for natural sweetness with fresh fruit flavors.
With proper freezer storage and rotation, you shouldn’t end up with more thawed applesauce than can be used. But if so, try repurposing thawed applesauce instead of refreezing.
Why refreezing degrades quality:
– Cell structures start breaking down during initial freezing, releasing moisture and gases.
– Thawing further deteriorates cell structure and releases more liquids.
– Refreezing forms damaging ice crystals that rupture cell walls.
– Result is a mushy, watery texture and dull, oxidized flavor.
– Oxidation also causes browning from conversion of natural pigments.
For best quality applesauce, refrigerate thawed portions instead of refreezing. But if needed in a pinch, re-frozen applesauce is still safe to eat.
How to thaw and serve frozen applesauce
Thawing frozen applesauce is simple:
– _Refrigerator thawing:_ Transfer frozen applesauce to the refrigerator. Allow 12-24 hours to thaw completely, stirring occasionally.
– _Cold water bath:_ Place sealed bags of frozen applesauce in a bowl of cold tap water. Change water every 30 minutes until thawed, about 2 hours.
– _Microwave thawing:_ Microwave individual servings of frozen applesauce on LOW power in 30 second increments, stirring between cycles, until thawed.
– _Stove-top thawing:_ Place frozen applesauce containers in a pan of warm (not hot) water on the stove. Stir periodically until thawed.
Once thawed, applesauce retains best quality when kept refrigerated and consumed within 3-5 days.
Serve chilled applesauce as-is or incorporate into recipes like:
– Breakfast toppings on cereal, oatmeal, yogurt or pancakes
– Smoothies
– Applesauce bread, muffins or cakes
– Pork chops or baked ham glazes
– Potato pancake or latke binder
Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of homemade applesauce all year by freezing the autumn bounty!
Nutrition facts for frozen vs fresh applesauce
Freezing does not significantly change the nutritional value of applesauce:
| Nutrient | Fresh applesauce | Frozen applesauce |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 per cup | 100 per cup |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 190 mg | 190 mg |
| Carbs | 26 g | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g | 2 g |
| Sugars | 19 g | 19 g |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 g |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg | 2 mg |
Key nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber are preserved through freezing. The main difference is textural from cell damage during freezing. Enjoy equal nutrition plus convenience by freezing applesauce for longer term storage.
Benefits of applesauce nutrition:
– Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immunity and heart health.
– Good source of dietary fiber to improve digestion and cholesterol levels.
– Contains polyphenol antioxidants that combat disease-causing inflammation.
– No fat, sodium or cholesterol. Healthy fruit-based calories.
– Potassium helps regulate fluid levels and blood pressure.
– Low glycemic index regulates blood sugar levels.
Frozen or fresh, applesauce delivers wholesome nutrition and health benefits beyond its great flavor. Freezing locks in those nutrients so you can enjoy homemade applesauce all year long.
Conclusion
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve fresh homemade applesauce or store bought varieties to enjoy their taste, texture and nutrition year-round. Prepared properly in airtight containers and stored at 0°F or below, frozen applesauce keeps safely for 6-12 months. Thaw frozen applesauce in the refrigerator, microwave, stovetop or cold water bath. Once thawed, use within 3-5 days and avoid refreezing for best quality. The convenience of frozen applesauce allows you to make large batches in season when apples are ripe and prices are low. With minimal effort, you can enjoy delicious frozen applesauce until the next year’s apple harvest!