From the most tempting fruit in the Garden of Eden to the alluring treat that lulled Snow White to sleep, apples hold a special place in our hearts for their beautiful hue and crisp, tantalizing taste.

Whether you prefer the sweetness of a Honeycrisp apple or the crunchy tartness of a Granny Smith, apples are the perfect fall snack. While you can find apples year-round in every grocery store, different apple varieties are in season in the United States from late July through early November.

Apples washed in sink

Apples provide us with vitamin C and fiber, which promotes satiety. One medium apple is about 95 calories. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, apples can improve cardiovascular health by protecting against free radical damage in the heart and blood vessels, along with lowering cholesterol levels. Apples also have an antioxidant effect that may help protect against cancer. A Women's Health Study found that participants who consumed one or more apples a day were 28 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who didn't eat any apples. As Matt Damon's character in Good Will Hunting famously asked, "How do you like them apples?"

Apple-Picking: A Family Activity

If you're looking for an autumn activity that your whole family can enjoy, head to a local apple orchard to pick your own fruit. Look for firm, smooth apples without bruises. When you get home, store apples in a bag in the refrigerator (because apples give off ethylene gas as they ripen they can cause other produce to go rancid more quickly—hence the adage, "one bad apple spoils the bunch"). Wash apples before you eat them. Keep the skin intact if possible, however, because that is where most of the apple's fiber is found.

Pro tip: Call ahead to your local orchards to determine which apple varieties are in season in your area. Some types of apple trees produce fruit that is closer to the ground and easier for children to reach and pick themselves.

Washed Red Apples

Apple Preserving

Preserving apples simply means storing them in a way that prevents them from going bad. After you’ve eaten your fill of fresh apples, you may be wondering how to preserve the fruit to enjoy later. Whether you prefer to can your apple creations or freeze them, Mason Jars are the perfect vessel to store apples to eat later. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy apples year-round:

Applesauce

Whether your kids can’t get enough applesauce with their lunches or you enjoy pairing the sauce with roast pork or sausage, applesauce's smooth texture goes with almost any meal. For a deep, complex flavor, try combining two or three varieties of apples when making applesauce.

According to the Washington Apple Commission, some apple varieties that are excellent for sauce are Gala, Golden Delicious Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady. The Commission says that the ubiquitous Red Delicious apple should be saved for snacking and salads rather than applesauce, baking, or pies.

Another advantage of cooking your own applesauce: you can easily adjust the amount of sugar you put in to suit your palate. Some apple varieties are so sweet that you may find you don’t miss omitting the sugar altogether.

Here is an applesauce recipe that makes about 6 [pint jars] of applesauce. Sugar is optional.

Apple Pie Filling

Looking for a way to quickly make your family’s favorite kind of pie any time of year? Make a batch of this apple pie filling recipe for a delicious dessert that will fill your home with fragrant fall aromas. This classic recipe can be used to make an old-fashioned apple pie or as a flavorful topping on ice cream.

Apple Butter

Despite its name, there is no butter in apple butter. Its name comes from its creamy, butter-like texture. Often combined with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, apple butter imparts an intense apple taste because it involves cooking apples down and concentrating their flavor. Keep reading this blog for a delicious apple butter recipe.

Apple Butter In Jar

Here is a delicious apple butter recipe that makes about 4 (8 oz) half-pint jars. You can either eat it immediately or store it for later. You can keep apple butter in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or freeze it for up to one year.

Apple Cider

Apple cider is simply the juice from pressed apples. You can make small batches of apple cider on your stove by cooking them for two hours in a large stockpot with water, spices, and brown sugar. Strain the cooked apples through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the solid pieces. Pour the cider into Mason jars. Top your jars with reCAP Mason Jar Pour Carry Lids for a convenient no-spill option.

Be careful not to confuse apple cider with hard cider. Apple cider contains no alcohol while hard cider does.

Apple Chutney

Chutney is a sweet, savory, or spicy condiment. Made from fruit, vegetables, or herbs, along with spices, vinegar, and sugar, it offers a delicious counterpoint to meat dishes such as pork or chicken. Depending on your preference, you can create smooth or chunky chutneys.

Find the Preserving Tools You Need

When it comes to finding the Mason jar accessories you need for preserving apples, MasonJars.com is your one-stop-shop. With a focus on American-made, eco-friendly, small-batch products, you can feel good about every purchase you make!