How To Preserve Apples

Apple picking season is in full swing (September-October) and I am stocking up! If you are lucky enough to have a backyard orchard, you are well aware of how much fruit one tree can produce. If you don’t have your own apple tree, consider visiting an apple picking farm near you this apple season. Taking a family trip to an apple farm is a great way to get your children outdoors and teach them about nature. It should totally be on your fall fun bucket list! Once you have your fresh apple harvest, use a preservation method below for how to preserve apples for use throughout the winter months. These methods will work on all varieties of apples from Granny Smith to Pink Lady to Red Delicious.

How To Preserve Fresh Apples: 5 Methods

The first apple hack I share is useful for preserving fresh apples in the short term. The last four ways to preserve apples will help you with longer term apple preservation.

Does Lemon Juice Preserve Apples?

Lemon juice can be used to preserve apples in the short term. In other words, if you want to slice up apples to be eaten later during the day or the next day, you can use lemon juice to prevent your apples slices from turning brown. You can simply sprinkle some lemon juice over the slices. Or if you want to be very effective, you can squeeze half a lemon into a cup of water and then drop your apple slices in and allow to soak for a few minutes (5-10) while you fix the rest of your child’s lunch. Then the slices can be packed in an airtight container without so much enzymatic browning.

Freeze Drying Apple Slices

One reliable method that maintains the flavor, nutrients, and texture of apples over a longer period is freeze-drying apple slices. This process involves using specialized equipment known as freeze dryers to remove the moisture from the apples under low temperatures and vacuum pressure. The beauty of freeze dryers is that they preserve the apples in almost their original state, locking in taste and nutritional value without the need for preservatives. The process starts with washing, coring, and slicing your apples. Then the slices need to be arranged in a single layer on the freeze-dryer trays. Once the freeze-drying process is complete, you’ll have crispy, lightweight apple slices that can be stored for years without refrigeration. These dried apple slices are perfect for snacking, adding to cereal, or rehydrating for recipes.

This method might require an initial investment in a freeze dryer, but the long-term benefits and the versatility it offers in preserving your apple harvest make it a worthwhile consideration if you have an apple tree and large quantities of apples to preserve.

Canning Apples

There are a variety of different ways to preserve your fresh apples using a canning jar. Whether you peel and slice your apples or look up a recipe for apple butter or apple jelly, all are perfect ways to savor the apple flavor throughout the fall and winter. Canned apples make a great DIY gift for any occasion. Simply tie a cute bow around the lid of your jar and present it to the guests at your next family gathering!

NOTE: Please use caution when canning foods. Foods not canned properly can lead to bacterial-growth within the food. For more information, please visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Freezing Fresh Apples

Although apples loose their crisp texture when frozen, they are still great to bake with. The way you freeze apples all depends on how you will use them in the future. If they will be used to make baked, whole apples, simply wash the apples, dry, place the whole apples in a gallon-sized Ziploc® brand Freezer Bags with the Smart Zip® Seal and store in your freezer.

If you prefer to use them in an apple pie or other dessert, first peel, core and slice apples. You can dip them in a lemon water solution, as mentioned above, if you wish to help prevent browning. Place 5 cups (the perfect pie amount) of sliced fresh apples into a Ziploc® Freezer Bag and freeze until you’re ready to use. Frozen apples can be used in baking or cooked dishes. The is the best way to keep fresh apple pie filling on hand.

Dehydrating Apple Slices

If you’re interested in drying apples as your chosen method for how to preserve apples, consider investing in a food dehydrator. This kitchen gadget often comes in handy for not only drying a variety of fruits, but also for making your own herbs. To preserve your apples, consider making dried apple rings. Wash your apples and thinly slice (I used a mandolin slicer to get an even portion throughout each slice). Fill a small bowl with ½ cup of lemon juice and ½ cup of water and dip each slice. Lay the apple slices out on dehydrator racks and dry according to manufacturer’s instructions (about 12 hours).  Once dry, remove dehydrated apples from racks and place a zipper bag removing any excess air. These dried apples can be stored in airtight containers for several months.

Add your dried apple rings to your favorite homemade granola recipe or serve alone for a healthy snack. If you like preserving fresh fruit, you may also want to try this recipe for how to dehydrate banana chips.

Conclusion

To preserve apples for the short term, the easiest way is store apples in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Apples can last for several weeks when refrigerated. Using lemon juice will help preserve cut apples or apple slices for the short term as well. For the long-term storage, apples can be preserved by freezing, dehydrating, canning, or even freeze drying. Choose the method that best suits your needs and storage capabilities.

Which one of these methods for how to preserve apples do you think you will try? Have you used any of these ways to preserve fresh apples before? What is your favorite way to enjoy apples?

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