Can You Freeze Applesauce In Mason Jars?

Applesauce is well-loved for any season. You can buy applesauce from grocery stores or even make it on your own. As a matter of fact, applesauce can be an ingredient for a variety of desserts and recipes or can be a stand-alone snack. Of course, you want to store your applesauce longer for future use. One way to prolong applesauce shelf-life is by freezing. For this reason, we have gathered some expert tips on how you can properly freeze applesauce.

Once you open an applesauce jar, freezing is the best way to keep it fresh and safe for use. Storing applesauce in mason jars is a good option for freezing. Mason jars have adequate storage space. Likewise, the design of mason jars adds to the appeal of storing applesauce. Store-bought applesauce can stay in the freezer for up to two months. Homemade applesauce can stay long for up to 12 months, considering proper preparation and storage.

Aside from mason jars, you can also store applesauce in other containers like Pyrex, freezer bags, and ice cube trays. Whatever container you decide to store the applesauce, the shelf-life will depend on the preparation, storage, and defrosting. There are some tips to remember to make applesauce last long. Read along to find out about freezing and storing applesauce.

NOTE: WE MAY GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH THESE LINKS. THERE'S ADDITIONAL NO COST TO YOU. CHECK THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Applesauce stored in mason jars for preservation, Can You Freeze Applesauce In Mason Jars?

Storing Applesauce in Mason Jars

Choosing mason jars to store applesauce adds a charming and rustic vibe. Mason jars have airtight lids and a wide mouth suitable for storing sauces, juices, or soups. Mason jars are also heat-resistant and safe for freezing. Even though using mason jars take up space in the freezer, it is still a better option than using aluminum containers.

  1. To start, make sure to sterilize your mason jar. Using a microwave can sterilize the jars in just 60 seconds.
  2. After this, you can start pouring the applesauce into the mason jar. Always leave an inch or an inch and a half of space for expansion. Overfilling the jar will cause a mess when freezing and thawing.
  3. Before placing it in the freezer, let the mason jar with applesauce cool down. Placing it immediately in the freezer causes the glass to break when frozen.

Does Applesauce Freeze Well?

Freshly made applesauce dessert in two small glasses

Applesauce can last from eight to ten months. The National Center for Home Food Preparation recommends letting the applesauce cool before transferring to a firm container. Aside from this, you also must leave some headspace before freezing applesauce.

Most applesauce bought from the grocery store is usually stored in the pantry or the kitchen cupboard. If the original container of the applesauce is already opened, it is best to freeze the leftover applesauce to store for future use. Store-bought applesauce can only last up to two months if stored in the freezer. The best temperature to freeze applesauce is at 0°F. Also, take note of the best-before-date to keep the freshness of the applesauce.

Likewise, it is also recommended to freeze homemade applesauce to extend shelf-life. Homemade applesauce has no preservatives added, which will naturally have a shorter life. With freezing, homemade applesauce can last up to a year. If you want to freeze applesauce, it is best to freeze it in smaller portions. Freezing in smaller portions will make thawing much easier. You also avoid wasting applesauce and use only what you need.

How Long Can You Freeze Homemade Applesauce?

Making homemade applesauce is rewarding. You and your family will surely love adding this in desserts, recipes, or even eat this as a snack. Due to its shorter shelf-life, you need to consider some steps when freezing homemade apple sauce. Homemade applesauce can last up to six months to one year.

If you want to ensure applesauce maintains its shelf-life in the freezer, proper preparation should always be the first thing to consider. If making homemade applesauce, the kind of apples you use will affect the texture and taste when frozen. Aside from the apples, temperature also affects the freshness of applesauce. You must let the applesauce cool at room temperature before freezing it. Very hot temperatures affect the taste and will damage the containers.

Adding other ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and similar spices can spoil the applesauce when it freezes. You must completely thaw the applesauce first before adding other flavors. You can add the ingredients to the applesauce after thawing results in a stronger flavor.

Of course, like other perishable goods, you must take note of the day you made the applesauce. You can either put a tag or a sticker on the container to track until when you can use the applesauce. Check unusual changes in smell, color, and taste of the applesauce. If there are molds or the smell is off, dispose of the applesauce immediately.

Try making applesauce that your baby will love.

Can You Freeze Applesauce In Plastic Containers?

You can also freeze your applesauce in plastic containers like freezer bags, Ziplocs, or ice cube trays. Like storing in mason jars, leave some space in the container to allow the applesauce to expand. Unlike mason jars, you can stack up plastic containers in the freezer, allowing you to maximize limited freezer space.

If you want to use freezer bags or Ziplocs, remove as much air you can before sealing. When air is inside, it will cause frost when freezing. This frost might change the texture and taste of the applesauce after thawing. After this, flatten out the plastic bag when it starts to freeze. This allows you to have more space for stacking other bags of applesauce. Don't forget to write the date when you made the applesauce to monitor the expiration date.

A good option if you want to use small servings of applesauce is by freezing it in ice cube trays. Thawing is easier for smaller portions. In this way, you only get enough applesauce you need. Just get some frozen applesauce cubes and let it thaw.

Is It Safe To Freeze Food In Pyrex Containers?

Yes, it is safe to freeze food in Pyrex containers. The maximum temperature that Pyrex containers can withstand is only up to 300°C. Although the maximum temperature of Pyrex is high, you must not immediately place the container in the freezer. The food is still freshly hot from the oven or stove. Doing so will cause the container to break. To avoid this, let the dish cool down first before placing it in the freezer.

Aside from temperature, the container lids must be tightly closed and free from any damage. Any broken or loose lid will allow air to get inside and cause freezer burns to frozen food. A broken lid can also lead to contamination that spoils the food you are freezing.

Check out other freezer tips to store your food.

How Do You Thaw Frozen Applesauce?

After freezing applesauce for a week, you have decided to use it for a recipe. Thawing at room temperature will take thirty minutes while letting it thaw in the refrigerator can be as long as eight hours. You can also use a microwave to thaw the applesauce. When using a microwave, this will take around ten to fifteen seconds until completely thawed.

Make sure to get enough amount of applesauce to thaw. In the process of thawing, you will notice that the liquid separates. Do not worry, as stirring can return the texture of the applesauce.

Applesauce Ideas

After completely thawing, you can now add other ingredients to upgrade your applesauce. There are a variety of ways to use applesauce that will cater to your cravings. Here are some ideas you can try:

  • Garnish with dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or cherries
  • Spice up with cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Add sweeteners like honey, maple, agave, or sugar
  • Mix with ketchup to make your barbeque sauce
  • As an ingredient in creating a crumb cake
  • Strawberry Vinaigrette

Final Thoughts

After all, applesauce is a must in your pantry. With the versatility of applesauce, you can create varieties of desserts, condiments, and snacks. Applesauce is readily available in grocery stores, but it is more fun when you make it on your own. Freezing applesauce is the best choice to keep it fresh. Homemade applesauce can last up to a year with proper storage. You can store applesauce in mason jars and other containers like freezer bags, ice cube trays, and Pyrex containers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *