Blending apples into apple sauce, juice, or other recipes is a great way to use up apples and enjoy their sweet flavor and nutritional benefits. With the right blender and techniques, it’s easy to blend apples at home.
The Benefits of Blending Apples
Blending apples has several advantages over eating them raw. Blending breaks down the apple’s fiber, making nutrients like vitamin C more bioavailable. The heat created during blending also helps deactivate enzymes like polyphenol oxidase that can cause browning. Blending apples into sauces and juices concentrates their flavor and makes it easier to use apples in recipes. Finally, blending allows you to easily incorporate apples into smoothies, juices, baby food, and other items.
Choosing a Blender for Apples
To successfully blend apples, you’ll need a powerful blender that can break down their crisp flesh and skins. Here are the best types of blenders to use:
| Blender Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| High-speed blender | Extremely effective at pureeing. Can make super smooth apple sauce and juices in seconds. |
| Food processor | Chops and mixes apples well. Good for chunkier sauces. |
| Immersion blender | Allows blending apples right in the pot or bowl. Great for pureeing soups and sauces. |
| Countertop blender | Affordable option that works decently for smooth apple juices and sauces. |
High-speed blenders like Vitamix provide the best results, but countertop blenders can also work well, especially if you peel the apples first. Food processors and immersion blenders may leave some larger chunks but are great multitaskers. Avoid using very underpowered blenders that can struggle with apple skins and fibers.
Choosing the Right Apples for Blending
For the smoothest results, choose apples that break down easily in a blender or food processor. The best apples for blending are:
| Apple Variety | Benefits |
|---|---|
| McIntosh | Soft, thin skin. Cooks down easily into sauce. |
| Gala | Sweet, tender flesh good for juice. |
| Fuji | Smooth, creamy texture blends easily. |
| Braeburn | Blendable texture. Holds shape well in chunks. |
| Honeycrisp | Juicy and blends into smooth juice. |
Varieties like Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Jonathan have thicker skins and dense flesh and don’t blend down as easily. For cooked applications, choose apples with lower acidity and pectin like Golden Delicious, Cortland, and Jonagold.
Preparing Apples for Blending
Properly preparing apples can lead to better results in your blender. Here are some tips:
- Wash apples and remove any stems or bruises
- Peel apples if you want a super smooth texture
- Core apples and remove seeds
- Cut into 1-2 inch chunks
- Soak dried apples before blending to rehydrate
- Consider precooking firmer varieties of apples
- Add liquid like water or juice to aid blending
Leaving the peels can allow more nutrients to be retained but may lead to texture issues in some blenders. Seeds contain traces of cyanide so should always be removed. Precooking helps soften apples for better incorporation.
Blending Techniques for Different Apple Dishes
Here are some blending techniques for popular apple dishes:
Apple juice
Core apples and cut into chunks. Add to blender with 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or juice. Blend on high until smooth. Strain if desired. Sweeten with sugar or honey if needed.
Applesauce
Peel, core, and slice apples. Add to pot with water or juice. Cook over medium heat until tender, 10-15 minutes. Transfer to blender and puree until smooth. Add cinnamon or other spices as desired.
Apple butter
Cook down a large batch of applesauce over low heat for 1-2 hours until thickened. Blend in spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Puree in blender or food processor until very smooth.
Apple smoothies
Peel, core, and chop 1-2 apples. Add to blender with milk or yogurt and other fruits or greens. Sweeten if desired. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Troubleshooting Apple Blending Problems
Here are some common apple blending issues and how to fix them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Chunks of apple in puree | Use a more powerful blender. Cut apples smaller. Strain after blending. |
| Watery,Separated apple sauce | Cook apples longer to evaporate more liquid. Add cornstarch to thicken. |
| Bitter apple taste | Peel apples before blending to remove skin tannins. Use sweeter varieties. |
| Foamy apple juice | Avoid over-blending. Let juice settle then strain. |
| Brown apple puree | Add lemon juice to prevent oxidation. Start with freshly cut apples. |
Test small batches first to determine optimal blender settings. Let apple mixtures settle after blending then strain for smoothest texture.
Storing Blended Apple Dishes
Here are some tips for storing blended apple creations:
- Refrigerate apple juice for 1-2 days
- Freeze apple juice in ice cube trays for longer storage
- Refrigerate applesauce for 3-5 days
- Freeze applesauce in airtight containers for 4-6 months
- Store apple butter in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for 1-2 months
- Refrigerate apple smoothies for up to 2 days
- Drink apple smoothies immediately for best texture and flavor
Blended apple dishes tend to develop bubbles and separation over time. Use immediately or stir before serving for best results.
Making the Most of Your Blended Apple Creations
Here are some serving ideas for blended apple dishes:
- Drink apple juice straight or use in cocktails
- Make apple pie using blended applesauce
- Swirl apple butter into oatmeal or yogurt
- Use apple sauce as a sweetener in baking
- Spread apple butter on toast or sandwiches
- Add apple smoothies to your breakfast routine
- Use apple juice or sauce to make vinaigrettes
- Blend apples into hummus, salsa, and dips for flavor
With the convenience of blenders, you can easily work more apples into your snacks, meals, baked goods, and drinks. Be creative and discover new ways to enjoy blended apple dishes.
Conclusion
With a good blender and some simple preparation, blending apples at home to make juices, sauces, butters, and other items is easy. Choosing the right apple varieties and using proper techniques helps ensure you’ll end up with smooth, flavorful apple creations. Blending allows you to unlock new levels of convenience and versatility from apples to enjoy their nutrients, texture, and taste in exciting new ways.
