Applesauce has long been a staple side dish in most households of the western world, and it has already been part of food culture. People usually buy or make it in bulk and freeze it for later use. For this article, we've researched and asked experts how long frozen applesauce lasts so you can make sure yours doesn't go bad.
Depending on your storage method, applesauce stored in the freezer can last 6 to 9 months; you can extend this to over a year or possibly even more if you put it in a deep freeze freezer. Just remember that homemade applesauce has less shelf life compared to store-bought. A great rule of thumb in freezing your applesauce is keeping it below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Freezing any food is no joke because one mistake can lead to food poisoning at the dinner table. So stick with us as we will be providing you with some quick tips and answers to keep your applesauce always fresh and delicious.
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Storing Frozen Applesauce
Freezing applesauce is a great storage method to ensure it stays fresh for 6 to 9 months. To even get the most out of your sauce, the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety And Inspection Service recommends zero to sub-zero degrees Fahrenheit, this is true to anything frozen. Utilizing airtight storage containers will prevent freezer burn, as we'll discuss even more later on.
How Do you Thaw Frozen Applesauce?
There are multiple methods to defrost applesauce, depending on when you will use it. If you will be using it for later, take the amount that you will be needing and leave the rest in the freezer so that you don't have to refreeze it again.
A note to remember is freezing and unfreezing applesauce portions multiple times compromises the quality and should be avoided at all costs. Only take the amount you need the keep the remainder frozen.
After removing it from the freezer, you can then put applesauce in the fridge or let it rest at room temperature. Resting your applesauce at room temperature is a faster method. You can choose this if you will not be needing it immediately but not too long that you might spoil it.
Liquids may separate from the sauce itself as it begins to thaw, but you can easily stir this to bring back texture and flavor.
If you do need it immediately, you can always use either your frying pan, a skillet, or your microwave to immediately melt and even reheat your applesauce.
How To Reheat Applesauce
If you want to serve your applesauce hot, you always have the option to reheat it. Here are some simple tips for reheating your favorite applesauce.
- You can reheat in your microwave for at least 30 seconds depending on how frozen your applesauce is, just make sure to get a microwaveable dish to put your applesauce in. Remember to put a cover or a microwave safe lid atop.
- You can also use your pan or a skillet by simply putting it on your pan with medium heat, wait for it to completely thaw or even boil if you are so inclined. You may also add some spices, whatever your prefrence, for the flavor that you want to achieve.
An important thing to note is that adding spices, butter, oils, and other ingredients may cause the early spoiling of your applesauce.
If you're planning on storing it, it is best to make it without spices. You can just add them later on when you are about to eat it.
How Do You Know If Applesauce Has Gone Bad?
Usual tell-tale signs of bad applesauce are a change in its color, change in smell, the appearance of mold, and change in flavor. Once you see this, immediately throw it away as this has already gone bad.
All of these are usually caused by improper storage especially on homemade applesauce as it lacks the preservatives that branded ones have. Or simply, even for store-bought types, it has passed its age.
You may also notice a thin discoloration on top of your sauce, do not bother as this is normal for apples due to the process of browning. You can easily throw that part away by scooping it out if it so bothers you.
Applesauce that is also leaking from its containers, bulging, rusting from its can, and or severely dented should immediately be disposed of.
What Is The Best Way To Freeze Applesauce?
You have plenty of options when trying to freeze your applesauce. Many even prefer applesauce to be eaten frozen and a bit thawed. Here are some common methods in freezing it.
Mason Jars
This is one great way of freezing applesauce. They are air-tight and heat resistant as well. This method has been used for a long time and is fairly common, for a more in-depth article about this, read one of our articles about it.
Click to see mason jars on Amazon.
Freezer Bags
Another classic example of storing all types of frozen food, especially applesauce is freezer bags; these are more storage-friendly than mason jars as they don't take up much space.
They are also very easy to dispose of when you don't need them anymore. They are more portable and easier to bring on trips and picnics.
Just simply put the right amount of applesauce in your freezer bags, neatly store them in your freezer and you're good to go.
Ice Cube Trays
These are perfect for children especially those that are teething, because of their natural sweetness. Shaping your frozen applesauce into cube-sized snacks is a great alternative for the children, this is a more healthy option than candy and other artificial sweets: just remember to thaw it a bit to avoid choking hazards.
Click fo see silicone ice cube trays on Amazon.
Interested in using your frozen apples for treats or snacks? Learn whether or not you can make a pie out of frozen apples from one of our articles here.
Can You Freeze Store Bought Applesauce?
Yes, you can freeze store-bought applesauce, but you don't need to especially if you will not be using it immediately. Freezing is only suggested for homemade or when you have already opened its air-tight lid.
You can stow your unopened store-bought applesauce in your fridge or a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. It is best to look at the label for instructions in storing commercial applesauce.
Pre-packaged applesauces also come with a best before and best by date, so it is always best to read the label to get the most out of the product.
Just remember that freezing and thawing can affect the original texture of the sauce. You will be losing some of its quality and it would have more liquid in it.
As mentioned above, it is a big NO to refreeze thawed applesauce if you want it to taste good. You can store them back in the fridge but do not freeze them again.
If you chose to refreeze it, you will degrade the overall taste of your sauce. This is also true for other frozen foods such as processed and unprocessed meat.
Can You Make Popsicles With Applesauce?
Absolutely, yes. Making popsicles out of frozen applesauce is very healthy as it is made out of fruit after all. It also has no added sugar in it because it is already naturally sweet.
This can be another great alternative and healthy snack for kids and those who are kids at heart. Just remember that frozen food appears to be less sweet than it originally is because that is how our taste buds react to such food.
This article is a good example of a recipe for preparing an applesauce popsicle for the whole family to enjoy, especially the kids.
In Closing
Properly storing applesauce can make it last long, some applesauce can reach even up to a year, maybe even more if stored in sub-zero temperatures. Just remember, correct storage is the key.
And finally, don't be afraid to experiment with your applesauce, you can always create your original and unique recipe. And never forget to always share it with your friends and family to enjoy!
