Adventures in Homesteading: Canning Applesauce in 2026

If you care about adventures homesteading canning applesauce, this guide gets straight to the point. We break down what actually matters, skip the fluff, and show you how to put it to work today.

Key Takeaways

• Would you believe I’ve at no point canned?
• Oh, I’ve had intentions of canning.
• I have a decent-sized garden and I even bought a couple of books about canning.
• But quite frankly, I was a little overwhelmed.

What to Know About Adventures Homesteading Canning Applesauce

Worth noting: after all, this whole series is called Adventures in Homesteading, is it not? So I put on my large girl pants (er, apron?) and got down to business.

• And I was delightfully surprised to find I’d made the aspect method more complicated in my head than it ever turned out to be.
• I dusted off the canning book I bought on Amazon last year: (If you’re interested, the book currently retails for about $15 on Amazon).
• More importantly, now this seemed particularly fortuitous, but Tacoma Boys just so happened to have Fuji apples discounted for $0.50/lb this week or $10 for a half bushel.
• I’ve at no point purchased apples by the half bushel, but it sure sounds like a solid amount to can, doesn’t it?

How Adventures Homesteading Canning Applesauce Really Works

As far as equipment goes, for some reason I had it in my head that I’d have to spend at least $100 on stuff to get set up. There again, I was so wrong!

• Remember that here’s what I discovered: there are high-acid foods (fruits, tomatoes) and low-acid foods (think meats, vegetables).
• They only require what’s called a boiling-water canner.
• This is basically just a large pot with a rack inside.
• In some instances, a pot you have at home could work.

Getting the Most From Adventures Homesteading Canning Applesauce

As a rule, you would just wish to be sure that about 3-4 inches of water could cover the tops of the jars. (The low-acid foods do require a pressure canner, but that’s another post for another day.) I didn’t have a boiling-water canner, so I picked this one up for just $24.95 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. If you head to the store, note that you might not find it or other canning supplies on the shelf.

• Just ask, they should have some in the back (or phone your location ahead of time).
• Even better if you have a coupon of some sort - and I noticed on my method out the door that they take competitor’s coupons, too. (If you wanted to go the online route, the same canner is about $20 now on Amazon).
• In short, i also picked up this Ball Canning Kit for $9.95.
• I wasn’t sure how essential these items were, but they were all mentioned in my canning book.

Tips That Make a Difference

Turns out, I used EACH item in this kit right now and I highly recommend it! (If you wanted to go the online route, this kit is $12 on Amazon right now) The jars I ended up paying $12 for 12 quart-size at Fred Meyer. Also note that we are not in the prime of canning season (late summer/early fall), so it’s possible we’ll see better deals and even coupons for these in a few months here.

• Worth noting: the first step was to prep my apples.
• I started by rinsing them out in a bath of cold water.
• I then peeled, cored, and quartered them.
• Threw them in a deep pot with just enough water to keep them from burning on the bottom (about 1/3 cup) and a healthy splash of lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

More importantly, i brought to a boil and let them cook until soft, about 20 minutes. Next, I pureed them in small batches applying my Vitamix.

• You could also mash them by hand or apply a food processor.
• From here, you wish to keep the sauce hot while you prep your jars, lids, and rims.
• Remember that i decided to keep my sauce unsweetened as I intend to apply a fair amount of it in dairy-free baking recipes.
• I figure I can consistently heat, sweeten, and season a batch as I desire.

Is Adventures Homesteading Canning Applesauce Worth It?

But you could certainly add sugar and cinnamon or whatever else you wish at this point. Next, you’ll wish to process your jars.

• As a rule, separate the jars, lids, and rims and wash in hot soapy water.
• You don’t require to worry about drying them.
• Now you’re going to wish to place the jars in the boiling-water canner, fill each jar about 2/3 full of water and bring the level of water up in the canner to match.
• Simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, but don’t boil.

Where the Real Savings Hide

In short, this will ready the glass for the processing. While that’s happening, take the lids (which are just the round parts, not the bands), and simmer them in saucepan of hot water over the stove too.

• Here again - you don’t require to boil them, but the concept is to have all your elements hot before processing.
• Funnel your sauce into the jars leaving just 1/2 inch of space at the top (also known as head space).
• Worth noting: my canning kit came with a funnel, or you could pick one up inexpensively to apply.
• I do recommend this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on adventures homesteading canning applesauce?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. So I put on my large girl pants (er, apron?) and got down to business.

Is it worth shopping around for adventures homesteading canning applesauce?

Usually yes. And I was delightfully surprised to find I’d made the aspect method more complicated in my head than it ever turned out to be.

Smart Ways to Save More on Adventures Homesteading Canning Applesauce

• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, line up adventures homesteading canning applesauce against current promotions and any codes you can stack. Small habits like these add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at thecouponproject.com.