Boiled apples have a long and storied history, dating back thousands of years to the Bronze Age and Ancient Egypt. The Romans later adopted boiled apples as a medicinal remedy and a potent symbol of victory. Today, you can enjoy the benefits of this ancient tradition with a side of boiled apples.
Boiling is a method of cooking food that is done in large amounts of water at a high temperature. When the water is added to the apples, the natural sugars in the apples turn into soft, pectin-based sugar, which makes the fruit more nutritious, more digestible, and less likely to cause an upset stomach. Boiled apples are also less likely to cause a latent case of botulism, a potentially fatal disease that can be passed from one person to another through their hands.
If you’ve ever noticed that your throat is sore after a meal, you’ve probably had an apple in your mouth. It’s a natural source of vitamin C, which plays an important role in soothing the tissues around your windpipe. The combination of pectin, vitamin C, and heat make boiled apples one of the healthiest ways to enjoy this tasty fruit.
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Why boil apples
As the name suggests, the main reason to boil apples is to make applesauce. This is a rich, creamy, and foamy dish made from cooked apples. If you don’t like the taste of applesauce, or if you’re trying to cut down on your intake of butter, ghee, and cream, you can always make a simple, plain boiled apple instead.
There are many different ways to make boiled apples. The main difference between making plain boiled apples and other apple dishes is that in the latter, you won’t add any additional flavorings. Other than that, they’re easy to make and give you a comforting, homey feeling when you eat them.
How to boil apples?
To make boiled apples, you’ll need to start with cooking apples coarsely. This is done by blanching them in a large pot of water for 5 minutes, then draining them and discarding the water.
Next, put the apples in a large stockpot and add water that is at least 2-1/2 times the height of the apples. You’ll add the water from the stockpot, as well as any juices from the apples, to the large pot. Bring the water to a boil and cook the apples for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the apples you’re using. The cooking time will vary depending on the sweetness of the apples and their age.
How to enjoy the benefits of boiled apples?
Once the apples are done cooking, remove them from the pot, being careful not to let the water evaporate. You can add them to a large bowl, or you can cut them up and add them to a casserole, cobbler, or even bread. If you’re making a cobbler, simply place the chopped apples in the bottom of the cobbler pan and pour the batter over the top.
Dessert-ish, but not too much
If you’re making a cobbler, simply place the chopped apples in the bottom of the cobbler pan and pour the batter over the top. If you’re making a bread-based baked dish, you can either cook the apples down in the batter or add them to the bread at the same time you add the other ingredients.
How to store boiled apples?
If you’re storing your boiled apples, make sure they’re in their original containers. This will help prevent any rancidity from happening. You can also try to keep your applesauce and other cooked dishes warm, by placing them in the oven or on the stovetop.
If you’re not using your boiled apples right away, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them, either alone or in blends, for longer storage. Thawing frozen apples only take a few minutes, so they’re ideal for storing during cold weather.
How to cut boiled apples?
Cutting up boiled apples is easy. Take a large bowl, and spoon some of the apples in there. Take a chef’s knife, and cut the apples into chunks.
If you want to make a cobbler, simply place the chopped apples in the bottom of the cobbler pan and pour the batter over the top.
How to enjoy your chopped-up boiled apples?
If you love apples and applesauce, these are the perfect dishes to make together. If not, you can still enjoy the benefits of boiled apples.
For one, it’s a good idea to consider making your own applesauce. You can use your favorite store-bought applesauce, or you can make your own at home. Apple cider, apple juice concentrate, or even stewed apples are all great options. Make sure to use organic ingredients whenever possible when making your own applesauce.
Final thoughts
The benefits of boiled apples are pretty much endless. You can enjoy the flavor, the nutrients, and the lack of bad fat. Plus, it’s a really easy dish to make, which is always a nice change from more complex dishes.
The only downside to boiled apples is that eating them plain is kind of boring, so you need to mix them up with some other dishes. Try adding some cinnamon, or adding nuts to boost the flavor even more.
If you love apples, and you want to add even more health benefits to this old favorite, try making your own cornucopia of health and nutrition!