Small apples generally come from trees that are planted in small backyards or growing in urban settings. They may not be large, but they are still bursting with flavor. There are myriad ways of dealing with small apples from trees, so let’s take a look at some of the options available.
First, one of the simplest and easiest ways to make use of small apples is to juice them. Juicing allows for all the sweetness of the apple to be extracted and maximized into a delicious and nutritious beverage. Apples have a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, and juicing is an easy way to get those nutrients into your diet.
Second, small apples can also be diced into a variety of different dishes. They take on a sweet flavor when cooked, and can be added to pies, tarts, and cobblers for an extra burst of flavor. Additionally, diced apples can be cooked with pork or chicken for a delicious sweet and savory dish.
Third, apples can also be used to make applesauce, a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. Apples can be boiled, mashed, and even pressure cooked to make a smooth, creamy applesauce that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later consumption. Applesauce is a great way to get kids to eat more fruit.
Fourth, small apples can also be used to make hard cider. This is a popular beverage that can be made quickly and easily with a little bit of equipment and the right ingredients. Hard cider is a versatile beverage that can be flavored in a variety of ways, and it can be enjoyed during any season.
How to Preserve Small Apples
Preserving small apples is another great way to make use of them. Apples can be dried and/or frozen for a longer shelf life, and then used in a variety of recipes. Dried apples are great for snacking on, and provide a sweet, chewy texture that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Frozen apples can also be used for a variety of recipes. They can be thawed and baked, pureed into smoothies, or even cooked into a delicious pie filling. Frozen apples will retain their sweet flavor and texture, making them perfect for baking and cooking.
Apples can also be canned in a boiling water bath, which is a great way to safely preserve them for future use. Canned apples can be used in a variety of dishes, or enjoyed straight out of the can. This is a great way to enjoy freshly-picked apples all year round.
Freezing Apples
Freezing apples is a fantastic way to preserve them for future use. Apples can be sliced, diced, or cut into wedges and frozen on a parchment-lined sheet pan before being transferred to airtight, freezer-safe containers. Freezing apples this way will help retain their freshness, flavor, and texture.
Frozen apples can be used in a variety of recipes. They can be baked into pies and cobblers, blended into smoothies, or simply thawed and enjoyed as a delicious snack. Frozen apples are great for when you want to enjoy the flavor of freshly-picked apples without having to wait for the growing season.
When freezing apples, it’s important to use airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags, as well as to label the contents in the container with the date and type of apple, for easy reference later on. Using frozen apples is a versatile way to enjoy the sweet flavor of freshly-picked apples all year long.
Preserving Apples in Syrup
Preserving apples in syrup is another way to savor their sweet flavor for an elongated period of time. Apples can be preserved in light sugar or honey syrup to help keep their freshness, flavor, and texture. Apples preserved this way can be enjoyed as a sweet snack, or used in baking and cooking recipes.
Apples can also be canned in syrup to preserve them. Apples canned in syrup will retain their freshness and sweet flavor, and can then be used in a variety of recipes. Apples canned in syrup can be enjoyed straight out of the can, or used in baking and cooking recipes.
Preserving apples in syrup is a great way to make use of small apples that are fresh and in season. This method allows for the apples to be enjoyed for a longer period of time, and makes the most of their sweet and unique flavor.
Baking with Small Apples
Baking with small apples is an excellent way to make use of them. Apples make a great pie filling, or can be blended into muffins, cakes, and breads. Small apples can be cooked with pork or chicken for a delicious sweet and savory dish, or used as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes.
Applesauce is also a great addition to many baked goods. Applesauce can be mashed and used in place of butter or oil, or blended into muffins, cakes, and breads for added flavor and sweetness. Applesauce is a great way to get kids to eat more fruit, while also adding delicious flavor to a variety of baked goods.
Small apples are a great addition to any number of baked goods. They take on a sweet flavor when cooked, and add an extra burst of flavor and texture to pies, tarts, cobblers, and other baked goods. There are multitude possibilities when it comes to baking with small apples, for sweetness, flavor, and texture.
Making a Jam or Preserve with Small Apples
Making a jam or preserve with small apples is another great way to make use of them. Apples can be boiled down and simmered for a delicious and nutritious jam or preserve, which can then be enjoyed as a snack or used in baking and cooking.
Jam or preserves made from small apples will have a unique flavor, as well as vitamins and minerals. Jam can be spread onto toast or used as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles. Preserves can be added to baked goods, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Making jam or preserves with small apples is a great way to make the most of fresh apples. It is easy to do, and allows the sweetness of the apples to be enjoyed for a longer period of time.
Making Cider and Other Beverages with Small Apples
Making cider and other beverages with small apples is also an excellent way to make use of them. Hard cider and apple wines can be made by fermenting apples, and these beverages can be enjoyed at any time of year. Additionally, apple cider can be made by blending apples and adding sugar for a refreshing beverage.
Small apples can also be infused into vodka or other liquors for a unique and tasty drink. Apples can also be blended into smoothies with other fruits and vegetables for a delicious and nutritious beverage.
Making beverages with small apples is a great way to make use of them. These beverages are a great way to enjoy the flavor of freshly-picked apples all year long, and can be enjoyed as an occasional treat or a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary sodas.
