Spiced Or Pickled Apples Recipe

Spiced or pickled apples are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, used as a topping for desserts, or paired with savory dishes. This recipe has a long history, dating back to colonial times, when preserving fruits was a common practice to ensure a steady supply during the winter months.

Interestingly, "Pound Sweets" apples, also known as "Sweets of Pound," are recommended for this recipe. Pound Sweets are an heirloom apple variety that originated in England and were brought to America by early settlers. These apples have a sweet and slightly tart flavor, making them perfect for pickling.

If you can't find Pound Sweets apples, don't worry! You can still use other apple varieties, but make sure to choose ones that have a firm flesh and hold their shape well during cooking.

Before we delve into the recipe, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need:

- 9 pounds of apples (preferably "Pound Sweets" or other firm-fleshed variety)
- 4 pounds of white sugar
- 1 ounce of cinnamon bark
- 1/2 ounce of cloves (remove the heads)
- 1 pint of water
- 1 pint of vinegar

Now that we have everything, let's start preparing our spiced or pickled apples:

1. Begin by peeling the apples. If you are using crab-apples, which are smaller, you can skip this step but remember to leave the stems intact.

2. In a large kettle, layer the apples and sugar alternately. For every 9 pounds of fruit, use 4 pounds of white sugar. This proportion of sugar to fruit will ensure that the apples are properly preserved and create a sweet and tangy syrup.

3. Add the cinnamon bark and cloves to the kettle. These are the spices that give the pickled apples their unique flavor. You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preference.

4. Pour a pint of water into the kettle and heat it slowly to a boil. The sugar will dissolve, creating a syrupy mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the kettle.

5. Once the mixture has come to a boil, add the vinegar. The vinegar will add a tangy kick to the pickled apples and help with the preservation process.

6. Continue boiling the mixture until the apples become tender. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes, but it may vary depending on the size and variety of apples used. To test if they are done, simply pierce an apple with a fork. It should go through without much resistance.

7. Using a perforated skimmer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fruit from the kettle and spread it out on dishes to cool. This step allows the excess syrup to drain off, ensuring that the pickled apples are not overly sweet.

8. While the fruit cools, continue to boil the syrup until it thickens. This step will concentrate the flavors and create a more robust syrup.

9. Once the syrup has thickened, pack the cooled apples into sterilized jars. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top.

10. Pour the hot syrup over the apples in the jars, making sure to cover them completely. The heat helps with the sealing process and ensures that the apples are properly preserved.

11. Seal the jars with lids and rings. This can be done using the boiling water method or by using a pressure canner, depending on your preference and experience with canning. If using the boiling water method, place the jars (uncovered) in a kettle of cold water and heat until the contents start to boil. Then, carefully remove the jars from the water and seal them.

12. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. The pickled apples will need at least a week for the flavors to meld and develop fully.

Now, for some fun facts about spiced or pickled apples:

- Pickling fruits, including apples, was a common practice in colonial times. It helped preserve the harvest and provided a source of fruits during the long winter months when fresh produce was scarce.

- The spices used in pickling apples, such as cinnamon and cloves, were prized ingredients that were often brought from exotic locations and used sparingly.

- Pickled apples were not only enjoyed as a treat but also used as a remedy for various ailments. They were believed to have digestive benefits and were often consumed to soothe stomach complaints.

- Spiced or pickled apples can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a delightful addition to cheese platters, providing a sweet and tangy contrast. They can be used as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes, adding a burst of flavor. They can also be used in cooking, such as adding them to stuffings for poultry or incorporating them into chutneys and relishes.

If you enjoy spiced or pickled apples, you might also like similar recipe dishes such as pickled peaches or spiced pears. The basic principles of pickling fruits can be applied to different types of produce, allowing you to explore a wide range of flavors and textures.

So, go ahead and try your hand at making spiced or pickled apples. Enjoy the process of preserving this humble fruit, and savor the unique flavors that it brings to your culinary repertoire.

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