how to make applesauce with food mill

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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19-01-2025

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Applesauce is a delicious and versatile treat, perfect for a healthy snack or a side dish. Making your own applesauce allows you to control the sweetness and ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier outcome than store-bought versions. Using a food mill offers a unique advantage: it creates a wonderfully smooth applesauce without the need for a blender or food processor. This method preserves the texture and flavor of the apples beautifully.

Choosing Your Apples

The type of apples you choose will dramatically affect the flavor and texture of your applesauce. A mix of sweet and tart apples usually works best. Some popular choices include:

• Honeycrisp: These apples are incredibly juicy and sweet.
• Granny Smith: Granny Smiths provide a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness.
• Fuji: These apples offer a crisp texture and sweet flavor.
• Braeburn: A good all-around choice with a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Avoid overly mealy apples, as these will result in a less desirable texture in your applesauce.

Gathering Your Ingredients & Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:

• Apples: Approximately 4-6 pounds, depending on your desired yield.
• Water: A few tablespoons, to prevent sticking.
• Lemon Juice: 1-2 tablespoons (optional, but helps prevent browning).
• Sugar or Sweetener: To taste (optional, depending on apple sweetness). Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar are all good alternatives.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice (optional, to enhance the flavor).
• Food Mill: This is the star of the show!
• Large Pot: For cooking the apples.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Applesauce with a Food Mill

1. Prepare the Apples: Wash and peel the apples. Core them and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster.

2. Cook the Apples: Place the chopped apples in a large pot. Add a few tablespoons of water to prevent sticking. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and easily mashed. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Add Flavor Enhancers: Stir in lemon juice (if using) to prevent browning and add any desired spices and sweetener. Taste and adjust to your preference.

4. Use the Food Mill: Carefully place the cooked apples into the food mill. Work in batches if necessary. Push the apples through the mill using a sturdy spoon or spatula. The food mill will separate the skins, seeds, and cores from the smooth applesauce.

5. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If you prefer a slightly thicker applesauce, you can simmer the pureed apples for a few more minutes uncovered. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate.

6. Serve & Enjoy: Serve your homemade applesauce warm or cold. It's delicious on its own, with pancakes, waffles, or as a side dish to your favorite meals.

Tips for Perfect Applesauce

• Don't overcook: Overcooked applesauce can become mushy and lose its flavor.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste: Taste the applesauce frequently during cooking and adjust the sweetener accordingly.
• Experiment with spices: Try different spice combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Store properly: Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

FAQs about Making Applesauce with a Food Mill

Q: Can I use a different type of mill?

A: While a food mill is ideal for this recipe, a potato ricer or even a fine-mesh sieve could work in a pinch. However, the food mill provides the most efficient and smooth result.

Q: What if my applesauce is too thin?

A: Simmer the applesauce uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the moisture content.

Q: How long does homemade applesauce last?

A: Properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade applesauce should last for about a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Making applesauce with a food mill is a simple and rewarding process. The result is a delicious, smooth, and naturally flavorful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!