Organic Pear-Apple Sauce

Yield: 40 Ounces

Skill level: Easy

Homemade applesauce is one of the easiest ways to use up extra fruit, and this pear applesauce recipe adds a naturally sweet twist. Combining fresh apples and pears with warm spices, it creates a smooth, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for snacking, meal prep, or preserving. Whether you make it on the stovetop for a quicker option or let it slowly cook throughout the day, this recipe is simple, versatile, and a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying seasonal produce.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Organic Gala apples (about 5-6 medium apples)
• 2 pounds Organic Bartlett pears (about 4-5 medium pears)
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 cup water

Directions

SLOW COOKER:

1. Add all ingredients, cover, and cook on high for 3-5 hours on low. Cook until the skin is soft. Slow cookers vary, so cooking time is approximate.
2. Use an immersion blender, food processor, or blender until the mixture reaches the desired texture. If the skins are not blending in easily, the sauce may need to be cooked longer.
3. Store in the fridge for up to a week, or can it to be preserved longer. We suggest following the USDA guidelines on home canning.

STOVE TOP:

1. Add all ingredients and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent burning. Cook until the apple and skins are soft. You may need to add more water depending on the stove's heat.
2. Follow steps 2 & 3 above.

Health Tip: Leave apple skins on for ultimate health benefits. A natural compound found in the apple’s skin, called ursolic acid, may help prevent muscle wasting that can result from aging and illness. Also, anthocyanins, antioxidants, are found in the deep red skin of apples such as Galas, Red Delicious, and Red Rome.

Create fun notes for your kids to put in their school lunchboxes! We used pre-made gift tags and added fun sayings. Construction paper or craft paper works well, too!

Pair with Cherry & Sweet Potato Summer Side, and Autumn Glory Squash Soup for a balanced meal.