Apple butter is a thick, sweet spread made from apples that has been popular in America for centuries. But what exactly is the purpose and appeal of apple butter? This article will explore the history, uses, and benefits of this classic condiment.
What is Apple Butter?
Apple butter is a type of fruit preserve made from apples, sugar, spices, and apple cider or apple juice. Unlike jellies or jams, apple butter has a thick, smooth texture with a dense consistency similar to actual peanut butter.
To make apple butter, apples are cooked down into a puree or sauce and then slowly simmered with sugar and spices for hours until very thick and reduced. The lengthy cooking process caramelizes the sugars in the apples, creating a rich, concentrated flavor and a dark brown hue. Common spices added include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
The origins of apple butter can be traced back to medieval Europe when it was invented as a way to preserve harvested apples into a shelf-stable product for the winter months. Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants later brought the tradition of making apple butter with them to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
How is Apple Butter Made?
While recipes can vary, the basic process for making apple butter is:
- Apples are washed, peeled, cored and chopped into slices.
- The apples are cooked down into a chunky applesauce, with just enough water to prevent sticking.
- Sugar and spices like cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg are added.
- The mixture is cooked down very slowly at a gentle simmer, often for 8-12 hours. It must be stirred frequently to prevent scorching.
- As it cooks, the apples break down further and the mixture reduces into a thick, dark, smooth puree.
- Once sufficiently thickened and caramelized, the apple butter is jarred while still hot.
Making apple butter is a time-consuming labor of love. The exceptionally long, slow cooking is what gives apple butter its complex, concentrated flavor and lush texture. The finished spread can keep for months in the refrigerator after canning.
What Does Apple Butter Taste Like?
Apple butter has a sweet-tart apple flavor that is deeper and richer than plain apple sauce. The taste often includes warm spice flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The texture is quite thick and smooth, similar to peanut butter. When spread on bread or toast, apple butter provides a sweet fruit flavor with pleasant spice notes.
How is Apple Butter Used?
Apple butter is very versatile and can be used in a variety of sweet or savory applications, similar to other fruit preserves. Some popular uses include:
- Spread on toast, biscuits, scones, pancakes or waffles
- An accompaniment to roasted pork or poultry
- A filling for crepes or pastries
- Stirred into oatmeal or yogurt
- Used as a glaze for meatloaf or ham
- Served alongside cheeses and charcuterie
- Added to smoothies
- Swirled into peanut butter or almond butter
- Added to sauces, marinades, and vinaigrettes
Apple butter’s sweet-spicy flavor profile makes it very versatile for both sweet breakfast treats and savory dishes. It can be enjoyed on its own, but also pairs nicely with cheeses like cheddar or brie.
Nutrition Facts of Apple Butter
The calorie and nutrition content of apple butter can vary based on specific ingredients and recipes. However, one serving (2 tablespoons) of typical apple butter provides:
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 0g |
While high in natural sugars from the cooked-down apples, apple butter delivers small amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. It contains no fat or cholesterol and minimal sodium. Note that homemade versions may be lower in sugar than commercial mass-produced brands.
Benefits of Apple Butter
Enjoying apple butter offers several health advantages:
- Fiber – Apple butter provides a small amount of dietary fiber from the apples.
- Antioxidants – Apple skins are high in polyphenol antioxidants like quercetin which remain present after cooking down.
- Immune support – The vitamin C content may help boost immunity.
- Potassium – The potassium in apple butter helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
- Anti-inflammatory – Quercetin and other apple compounds offer anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce disease risk.
Apple butter made from fresh apples without additives also avoids some negative health effects associated with heavily processed commercial spreads high in added sugar, sodium, and artificial ingredients.
How Long Does Apple Butter Last?
Unopened apple butter can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 year. Once opened, it will keep for 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator. For maximum long-term storage, apple butter can be canned through a water bath canning process. This allows it to be shelf-stable at room temperature for up to 2 years.Keep in mind that homemade apple butter may have a shorter shelf life than commercial varieties due to preservatives.
Properly canned, sealed apple butter can also be frozen for up to 8 to 12 months.
Buying and Storing Apple Butter
Apple butter can be purchased ready-made at most grocery stores, often near other preserved fruit spreads. Popular national brands include Musselman’s, Bonne Maman, and Smucker’s. Natural health food stores may also carry varieties without added sugar or preservatives.
For the freshest, best quality apple butter, check for:
- Ingredients listing just apples, sugar, and spices
- No added thickeners like cornstarch
- Low or no sodium
- Little to no separation of liquids in the jar
Artisanal and homemade apple butters from farmers markets or specialty stores make delicious gourmet gifts during the fall.
When storing apple butter at home:
- Refrigerate after opening and use within 4-6 weeks
- Store unopened jars in a cool, dry pantry
- Keep apple butter from direct light exposure to prevent oxidation
For optimal flavor and quality, use apple butter within a year of purchase.
How to Make Apple Butter from Scratch
Making homemade apple butter is rewarding but time-intensive. For those up to the challenge, here is an overview of the process:
Ingredients
- 5 lbs apples – Empire, Gala, Golden Delicious all work well
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups sugar
- 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Equipment
- Large stock pot
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Food mill
- Canning jars and lids
Steps
- Wash, peel, core and chop apples. Place in stock pot with cider.
- Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 20-30 minutes until apples are mushy.
- Run apples through a food mill to remove peels and seeds.
- Return apple puree to pot and stir in sugar and spices.
- Simmer over very low heat for 8-12 hours, stirring frequently, until thickened and caramelized.
- Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal lids.
- Process sealed jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.
- Store in pantry up to 1 year.
Be sure to stir the apple butter mixture almost constantly as it cooks down to avoid burning. Allowing the natural sugars in the apples to caramelize gives homemade apple butter its signature rich, complex flavor and dark color.
Common FAQs about Apple Butter
Is apple butter healthy?
Apple butter can be a relatively healthy condiment when enjoyed in moderation, as it contains fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients from fresh apples. Varieties without added sugars or preservatives are healthiest. However, it is high in natural sugar from the apples, so portion sizes should be limited.
Can you freeze apple butter?
Yes, apple butter can be frozen for long-term storage. Allow it to cool completely first, then transfer to freezer containers or bags, removing excess air. Frozen apple butter will keep for 8 to 12 months before quality declines. Thaw in the refrigerator before using again.
Can apple butter be canned?
Apple butter can be canned through a water bath canning process to make it shelf-stable at room temperature. Fill sterilized canning jars with finished apple butter, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process the sealed jars in boiling water for 10-15 minutes based on your altitude. Canned apple butter will keep up to 2 years sealed.
Does apple butter need to be refrigerated?
Once opened, apple butter should always be refrigerated to prevent mold growth. Unopened apple butter can be stored in the pantry up to 1 year. Home canned apple butter can remain at room temperature unrefrigerated until the seal is broken.
How long does apple butter last?
Unopened apple butter lasts 1 year past its printed expiration date. Once opened, it will keep 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator. Home canned apple butter lasts up to 2 years sealed. Frozen apple butter is good for 8 to 12 months.
Conclusion
Apple butter is a sweet, versatile fruit spread that has been a staple in Americana cooking for centuries. Made from slow-cooked apples, spices, and sugar, it provides concentrated apple flavor and many nourishing compounds from apples. In moderation, apple butter can be a healthy addition to toast, sandwiches, oatmeal, and more. Homemade varieties are simple to can or freeze for longevity. While requiring patience, preparing apple butter from fresh apples is very rewarding.