When you purchase apples to make baby food apple puree, you should also consider making 100% all-natural apple juice for your baby, as well. You will reduce waste, save money, and have an entirely organic product with no sugar added in the end. Essentially, you cannot make applesauce without making apple juice as well, so you might as well enjoy the benefits of both.
Apple Juice
Once your baby is six months old, they may be ready for juice. Making your own apple juice is incredible easy as it is actually a by-product of making an apple puree for your baby’s food. As long as you select the correct organic apples, you will not have to add any sugar because the natural sweetness from the apples will be more than enough. In fact, homemade apple juice will have a far more intense flavoring than any apple juice you will find in the store. When selecting apples, you want to choose several organic varieties of red and yellow which have a strong natural sweetness. You should also be certain to select apples which are free of bruises and blemishes. If you have apples with such flaws, simply cut them out before you begin the process. Do not forget to wash them in three parts water and one part vinegar if the apples are not organic.
To begin, peel the apples, remove the core, slice the apples, and cut them into chunks. This process is exponentially faster if you have a device which removes the core and slices the apples simultaneously. Place the chunks into a boiling pot of water. You only need a few inches of water for a smaller amount of apples. If you choose to make a large batch such as enough whole apples to fill a large mixing bowl, you will need roughly four inches of boiling water in a large pot. You will cover the apple chunks and cook them until they are soft.
Now, place a coffee filter or several cheese cloths over a colander and place the colander in a bowl. Pour the juice into the colander and wait for it to filter into the dish. You can now heat the apple juice one more time and add it to sterilized glass jars you may have around the house. You can now use the apples to make applesauce.
Apple Puree or rather Applesauce
While you are waiting for the liquid to drain from the colander place the apples in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. After several minutes, remove the apple chunks and place them into a blender or food processor. You will then blend the apples until they are smooth. You may need to add water periodically to make the consistency less thick. If you have a baby who is 10 months or older, you do not have to be as careful about removing all chunks into a perfectly smooth consistency. You may also have to blend the apples in batches if you are making extra to freeze.
If you choose not to make apple juice, you might consider baking the apples. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the core. Place them face down into a glass baking dish. Now, add two to three inches of water and bake for roughly 40 minutes. Remove the skin from the apples as soon as you are able to safely touch them. Place the apples in a blender or food processor and mix until smooth. You might add any juices remaining in the dish if you need to thin the puree at any point. Applesauce will keep for three or four days. You should freeze anything you are not planning to use within that time frame. The easiest way to freeze applesauce is to pour the puree into ice cube trays. Once they are frozen, place them into a resealable container to prevent freezer burn.
By making your own apple juice and applesauce, you will not have to worry about your baby consuming additives or harmful chemicals. You will also save a significant amount of money. Do not forget to try the apple juice and applesauce for yourself. You may find it is a suitable side and drink for the entire family.
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