Strolling through the apple orchard is one of our favorite things to do each year. Time seems to stand still, and we do what we can to make these special moments last as long as possible. And how do we do that? By picking as many apples as our arms can carry!
With more than a dozen types of apples ripe in the trees at the peak of picking season, there’s even more reason to keep reaching up for just a few more. Apple pickers return home to find that they have more fruit than they know what to do with. Sure, crisp apples keep for a month or two when following the best apple storage tips, but it’s more fun to find new ways to enjoy this versatile fruit!
As a rule of thumb, one pound of apples is approximately four small apples, three medium apples, or two large apples.
Consider using your abundance of apples in one of these recipes…
Apple Juice
To attain that fresh-from-the-orchard taste in your apple juice, make it yourself! Our favorite part about this apple application: you can mix and match as many varieties as you want.
A juicer will obviously make your task easiest. However, there are still other ways to make a cup of apple juice when you’re in a pinch…
- Peel (optional), core, and chop three to five apples.
- Add apple pieces to a blender and mix with a half cup of water.
- Enjoy as-is or use a cheese cloth to filter pulp.
Apple Sauce
Juice isn’t the only apple product best prepared at home. After tasting homemade apple sauce’s natural sweetness, you’ll never want to buy it from the supermarket again (sorry, Motts!).
Pureeing apples is one of the easiest ways to use as much fruit as possible. Before you get started, know that one pound of fresh-picked apples yields roughly one cup of apple sauce.
- Peel (optional), core, and chop six pounds of apples.
- Add apples to a large pot with lemon juice, one cup of apple cider from the Farm Market & Bakery, and your favorite spices.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Remove from pot and blend to a smooth consistency.
- Seal in mason jars, chill in the fridge and enjoy.
Apple Soup
On the savory side of apple cooking, soup is an especially unique way to turn your pickings into a meal. Some may crave the spicy flavors from Martha Stewart’s Curried Apple Soup recipe, while others may prefer a savory Apple-Cheddar Soup with Bacon from the Food Network.
No matter what recipe you choose, the general idea is the same. If you’re an expert butternut squash soup chef, then apple soup will be a breeze! First, roast your ingredients until both the apple skin and flesh are tender enough to scoop with a spoon. Then, blend your concoction in a food processor or blender to get a creamy soup texture. Serve in your favorite mug or bowl on a chilly autumn day, and you’re good to go!
Apple Chips
Apple chips are an easy snack for many reasons: they’re healthy, easy to take on-the-go, and nearly effortless to make. Plus, they’re a solid way to ensure your pickings have a longer shelf life!
Turning your apples into chips couldn’t be easier: slice thinly, sprinkle on some toppings, and bake them at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour on each side. Common toppings include cinnamon and sugar, although you can be as creative as you’d like.
Apple Sugar
You read that right… apple sugar! Fall’s favorite fruit is easily dehydrated to create a seasonal sweetener. Whether you’re adding it to your morning cup of coffee or baking it into a treat for some added flavor, this is a wonderful way to make the most of your apple supply.
You’ll need roughly four cups of pureed apples to make a cup of apple sugar.
- Wash, core, and slice the apples into small pieces. No need to remove the skin!
- Add the apple pieces to a food processor with a dash of water to puree. The less water you use, the quicker your apples will dehydrate.
- Spread a thin layer of pureed apples onto a sheet and place in the dehydrator or oven at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for about 24 hours (or until crisp).
- Remove from the dehydrator and cool.
- Grind into sugar using a food processor.
Have these recipes left you with a hankering for some fresh-from-the-orchard apples? If you still need to go picking this season, we’ve got you covered. Visit our pick-your-own page for today’s availability!
After trying these apple recipes at home, make sure to tag our Instagram page (@chilespeachorchard) to show off your culinary creation.
