Apple sauce

What is Apple sauce?

Apple sauce is a soft, smooth purée made by cooking apples until they break down. It may be made from peeled or unpeeled apples, and is sometimes sweetened or flavored with spices such as cinnamon or allspice. The color can range from pale yellow to golden brown, depending on the apple variety and whether the skins are left on. Its taste can be tart or sweet, and the texture is usually thick and spoonable. Apple sauce is sold in jars, cans, and pouches, but is also easy to make at home.

Where does Apple sauce come from?

People have been making sauces from apples since at least medieval times. In Europe, apple sauce became a common way to use up apples, especially in colder months. German immigrants brought apple butter, a thicker and sweeter version, to America, where it became part of food traditions in places like Pennsylvania and the Appalachian region. Today, apple sauce is widely eaten in North America and several European countries, both as a side and as a snack.

How is Apple sauce made?

To make apple sauce, apples are chopped and cooked with water or sometimes apple juice until they soften. The mixture can be left chunky or passed through a food mill for a smoother result. Some recipes add sugar or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. Lemon juice or other acids are sometimes included to keep the color bright and help with preservation. Commercially, apple sauce is often sterilized by heating and packaged for long shelf life.

How and when is Apple sauce eaten?

Apple sauce is served in many ways. In the United States, it often appears as a side for pork dishes or as a snack for children, especially in schools. In parts of Europe, it is paired with roast meats like pork or goose, or with potato pancakes. It can also be eaten with sausages, dumplings, or as a topping for pancakes and desserts. Some people use apple sauce as a substitute for fat or eggs in baking, making it popular in vegan recipes.

Kinds of Apple sauce

There are several types of apple sauce. Some are chunky, while others are very smooth. The choice of apple variety affects the flavor, with tart apples giving a sharper taste and sweet apples making a milder sauce. Apple butter is a thicker, more concentrated version with a longer shelf life. In the Netherlands and Belgium, apple sauce is commonly served with chicken and fries. In the UK, apple purée is often used as baby food.

What Apple sauce means

Apple sauce is a familiar part of everyday meals in North America and northern Europe. It is especially popular with children, who often eat it as a snack or dip. In Jewish Ashkenazi cooking, it is the usual side for Hanukkah latkes. In the United States, it is a staple in school cafeterias. The sauce is also used in therapeutic diets for children with stomach issues. Its popularity has led to a large commercial market, with many brands and packaging styles.

Questions people ask about Apple sauce

Good reading and sources

• Apple sauce on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data