The phrase “how am i able to freeze cooking apples” represents an inquiry relating to the optimum strategies for preserving culinary apples by means of freezing. It signifies the intent to keep up the standard and usefulness of apples supposed for baking, sauces, and different cooked dishes by using sub-zero temperatures to inhibit spoilage.
Correctly preserving cooking apples by means of freezing presents a number of benefits. It extends their shelf life considerably, permits for year-round entry to seasonal produce, and reduces meals waste. This observe has change into more and more related as shoppers search methods to handle assets effectively and reduce environmental impression.
The next particulars the steps concerned in successfully freezing cooking apples, guaranteeing they keep their taste and texture for later use. Preparation strategies, storage options, and thawing issues are essential facets to contemplate for profitable preservation.
1. Preparation
The preliminary stage of making ready cooking apples for freezing considerably influences the ultimate high quality and usefulness of the preserved fruit. A rigorous preparation course of straight impacts the feel, taste, and look of the apples post-thawing. Failure to correctly put together the fruit could end in undesirable outcomes reminiscent of mushiness, discoloration, and a diminished taste profile, rendering the apples much less appropriate for his or her supposed culinary purposes.
Preparation includes a number of key steps, every vital to the general success of the freezing course of. First, washing the apples removes any floor particles or contaminants. Subsequently, peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into uniform items ensures constant freezing and thawing. Treating the apple slices with an ascorbic acid answer, generally lemon juice diluted with water, is essential for inhibiting enzymatic browning. This discoloration, whereas innocent, negatively impacts the visible enchantment of the ultimate product. As an example, if apples usually are not handled with ascorbic acid, they are going to flip brown within the freezer. Some recipes could name for pre-cooking apples earlier than freezing in dishes reminiscent of apple pies or sauces.
In abstract, meticulous preparation is an indispensable element of efficiently freezing cooking apples. From washing and slicing to stopping enzymatic browning, every step performs a significant function in sustaining the standard and usefulness of the preserved fruit. Overlooking preparation is a detriment to preserving high quality. Adhering to those preparatory measures safeguards the flavour, texture, and look of the apples, guaranteeing they continue to be a helpful ingredient in future cooking endeavors.
2. Selection Choice
Selection choice considerably impacts the success of freezing cooking apples. The inherent traits of various apple sorts affect their texture, taste, and structural integrity after thawing. Cautious consideration of those attributes is crucial to optimize the preservation course of and make sure the ensuing product is appropriate for supposed culinary purposes.
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Firmness and Texture
Apple varieties with a naturally agency texture, reminiscent of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, typically face up to the freezing and thawing course of higher than softer varieties like McIntosh. Softer apples are inclined to change into mushy, compromising their usability in pies, crumbles, or baked items. The mobile construction of firmer apples is extra resilient, retaining its integrity regardless of ice crystal formation throughout freezing.
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Acidity and Taste Profile
The acidity stage and inherent taste of the apple selection additionally play a vital function. Tart apples usually keep their distinct taste profile after freezing, whereas sweeter varieties could expertise a delicate alteration in style. Varieties recognized for his or her sturdy taste, reminiscent of Braeburn, can face up to the dilution impact that generally happens throughout thawing, guaranteeing the ultimate dish retains a fascinating style.
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Water Content material
Apples with a decrease water content material are inclined to freeze and thaw with improved texture in comparison with these with greater water content material. Extra water can contribute to ice crystal formation, resulting in cell harm and a softer, much less interesting consistency after thawing. Varieties like Fuji, recognized for his or her comparatively decrease water content material, are sometimes most well-liked for freezing purposes.
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Meant Use
The supposed culinary software also needs to information selection choice. For pies and tarts, apples that maintain their form nicely throughout baking are preferable. For sauces and purees, a softer texture could also be acceptable. Contemplating the end-use ensures the frozen apples meet the particular necessities of the recipe, enhancing the general dish.
In conclusion, the success of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples” depends closely on selecting the suitable selection. Elements reminiscent of firmness, acidity, water content material, and supposed use ought to inform the choice course of. Choosing varieties recognized for his or her resilience and suitability for freezing can considerably enhance the standard and usefulness of the preserved apples, guaranteeing they continue to be a helpful ingredient for various cooking purposes.
3. Blanching Time
Blanching time represents a vital variable within the profitable freezing of cooking apples. It straight impacts enzyme exercise, mobile construction, and the general high quality of the preserved fruit. Exact management over this parameter is crucial to forestall enzymatic browning and keep fascinating texture traits.
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Enzyme Deactivation
Enzymes naturally current in apples proceed to perform even at freezing temperatures, resulting in undesirable modifications in shade, taste, and texture over prolonged storage intervals. Blanching, which includes briefly immersing the apple slices in boiling water or steam, deactivates these enzymes. Inadequate blanching leads to continued enzyme exercise, whereas extreme blanching can result in a mushy texture. For instance, apples not blanched earlier than freezing could exhibit important browning after a number of months within the freezer, affecting their visible enchantment and taste.
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Pectin Modification
Pectin, a posh carbohydrate present in apples, contributes to their firmness. Blanching can modify pectin, influencing the ultimate texture of the thawed apples. Over-blanching can break down pectin, resulting in a softer, much less fascinating texture. Conversely, under-blanching could not sufficiently soften the apples for sure culinary purposes. The optimum blanching time seeks to strike a steadiness, preserving adequate pectin to keep up construction with out rendering the apples overly agency.
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Cell Wall Permeability
Blanching alters the permeability of cell partitions throughout the apple tissue. This transformation impacts the speed at which moisture is misplaced throughout freezing and thawing. Correct blanching can create micro-fissures within the cell partitions, facilitating quicker freezing and thawing, thereby decreasing the formation of enormous ice crystals that may harm mobile construction. Insufficient blanching leads to slower freezing and thawing, rising the chance of textural degradation.
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Selection-Particular Issues
The optimum blanching time varies relying on the apple selection. Firmer varieties, reminiscent of Granny Smith, could require barely longer blanching instances to attain the specified enzyme deactivation and pectin modification in comparison with softer varieties like McIntosh. Failure to regulate blanching time based mostly on selection can result in both under-blanching, leading to enzyme exercise, or over-blanching, resulting in a lack of firmness. Testing is significant for any kind of apple.
These issues spotlight the importance of fastidiously controlling blanching time within the context of preserving cooking apples by means of freezing. Correct adjustment, enzyme deactivation, and pectin modification are important for reaching a high-quality frozen product appropriate for various culinary purposes.
4. Freezing Methodology
The strategy employed for freezing cooking apples straight influences ice crystal formation, cell construction integrity, and total preservation high quality. Choosing an applicable freezing methodology is a vital consider retaining the specified texture and taste for later culinary use.
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Tray Freezing (Open Freezing)
Tray freezing includes arranging ready apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray and freezing them till strong earlier than transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This methodology minimizes clumping, permitting for simpler portioning and stopping the apples from sticking collectively throughout storage. The speedy floor freezing limits the scale of ice crystals that type, decreasing mobile harm. For instance, particular person slices might be eliminated as wanted for recipes, eliminating the necessity to thaw the whole batch.
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Bundle Freezing
Bundle freezing includes putting apple slices straight into freezer baggage or containers with out pre-freezing. Whereas extra handy, this methodology can lead to clumping because the apples freeze collectively. It is essential to take away as a lot air as attainable from the packaging to forestall freezer burn. The slower freezing price could result in bigger ice crystal formation in comparison with tray freezing, probably affecting the feel of the apples upon thawing. An instance could be filling a freezer bag with ready apple slices and urgent out extra air earlier than sealing.
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Sugar Pack Freezing
Sugar pack freezing includes coating the apple slices with sugar earlier than freezing. The sugar attracts out a number of the moisture from the apples, decreasing ice crystal formation and serving to to protect their texture. This methodology is especially appropriate for apples supposed for pies or desserts, because the added sugar enhances their sweetness. Sugar pack freezing can present a better high quality product. For instance, mixing apple slices with granulated sugar at a ratio of roughly 1 half sugar to six elements apples earlier than freezing.
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Syrup Pack Freezing
Syrup pack freezing includes submerging the apple slices in a chilly syrup answer (sometimes made with water and sugar) earlier than freezing. The syrup helps to guard the apples from oxidation and freezer burn whereas additionally preserving their taste and texture. This methodology is finest suited to apples supposed for desserts or compotes. The added sugar contributes to the general sweetness and helps keep the apple’s form. For instance, making ready a syrup with water and sugar, cooling it fully, after which submerging the apple slices within the syrup earlier than freezing.
Choosing the optimum freezing methodology is integral to preserving cooking apples successfully. Tray freezing and sugar/syrup packing are extra sophisticated however the perfect, for total texture and high quality retention. Due to this fact, understanding the nuances of every methodology permits for knowledgeable choices, finally contributing to the success of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples”.
5. Storage Containers
The number of applicable storage containers is a vital determinant within the profitable implementation of strategies geared toward preserving cooking apples by means of freezing. The container straight influences the extent of freezer burn, the retention of taste and texture, and the general longevity of the frozen product. Improper containers can result in degradation of the apples, rendering them much less appropriate for supposed culinary purposes. Due to this fact, consideration to container kind is paramount when addressing “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.”
Particularly, hermetic containers or freezer baggage designed for low-temperature storage are really helpful. These supplies reduce air publicity, which is a main reason for freezer burn and oxidation. Inflexible containers provide safety in opposition to crushing, particularly when storing heavier objects above them within the freezer. Freezer baggage, whereas versatile, should be correctly sealed and any extra air eliminated to forestall ice crystal formation on the apple surfaces. As an example, utilizing a normal meals storage bag not rated for freezer use will probably end in important freezer burn inside a brief interval, whereas a vacuum-sealed freezer bag or a inflexible plastic container designed for freezing will considerably prolong the storage life and protect the apples’ high quality. Glass containers are additionally acceptable if freezer-safe.
In conclusion, the usage of appropriate storage containers is an indispensable element of successfully freezing cooking apples. Choosing hermetic, freezer-grade choices mitigates the dangers of freezer burn, taste loss, and textural degradation. This consideration represents a sensible and impactful facet of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples,” straight influencing the standard and usefulness of the preserved product over time.
6. Thawing Course of
The thawing course of is inextricably linked to the profitable preservation of cooking apples achieved by means of freezing, a vital and infrequently neglected stage impacting texture, taste, and total usability. The strategy employed to thaw frozen apples straight influences mobile integrity and moisture retention, thereby figuring out the extent to which they keep their high quality for subsequent culinary purposes. Speedy or improper thawing can lead to a mushy texture and taste loss, negating the advantages of correct freezing strategies. The number of a thawing methodology ought to align with the supposed end-use of the apples, acknowledging that some purposes are extra forgiving of textural modifications than others. As such, understanding the intricacies of thawing is paramount when addressing “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.”
Thawing can happen through a number of strategies, every with distinct implications. Fridge thawing, a sluggish and managed course of, minimizes temperature shock and reduces mobile harm. This methodology is finest suited to purposes the place texture is of utmost significance, reminiscent of utilizing the apples in pies or tarts. Conversely, microwave thawing, whereas speedy, can result in uneven heating and localized softening, making it extra applicable for purees or sauces the place a uniform texture is much less vital. In some circumstances, frozen apples might be added on to a cooking dish with out pre-thawing, notably when making ready crumbles or cobblers. Nonetheless, changes to cooking time could also be essential to make sure even cooking. A standard mistake is leaving apples to thaw at room temperature; this promotes bacterial progress and leads to a very disagreeable texture.
In abstract, the thawing course of is an integral element of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples,” influencing the ultimate product as considerably because the freezing methodology itself. Collection of an applicable thawing approach, guided by the supposed use of the apples, is essential to preserving their high quality and guaranteeing they continue to be appropriate for various culinary purposes. A measured strategy to thawing, prioritizing sluggish and managed strategies when texture is vital, optimizes the advantages of freezing and minimizes undesirable modifications in taste and consistency.
7. Stopping Browning
Stopping enzymatic browning is a vital facet of preserving cooking apples by means of freezing. Browning, whereas not inherently dangerous, detracts from the visible enchantment and perceived freshness of the fruit, thereby affecting its desirability for culinary purposes. Efficient strategies for mitigating browning are thus important when contemplating “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.”
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Ascorbic Acid Therapy
Ascorbic acid, generally referred to as Vitamin C, acts as an antioxidant. It inhibits the enzymatic response that causes browning when apple flesh is uncovered to oxygen. An answer of ascorbic acid, reminiscent of lemon juice diluted with water, utilized to apple slices previous to freezing, successfully prevents discoloration. The focus of ascorbic acid and the period of publicity are essential components in its efficacy. For instance, soaking apple slices in an answer of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of water for a couple of minutes can considerably scale back browning throughout freezing and subsequent thawing.
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Citric Acid Utility
Citric acid, one other natural acid discovered naturally in citrus fruits, additionally capabilities as an antioxidant. Just like ascorbic acid, it inhibits enzymatic browning by decreasing the pH and interfering with the enzyme exercise. A citric acid answer can be utilized instead of, or along side, ascorbic acid for optimum outcomes. Citric acid is essential for shade and taste of cooking apples. A standard observe is so as to add a small quantity of citric acid powder to the water used for rinsing the apples earlier than freezing.
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Blanching’s Influence
Blanching, a course of involving temporary immersion in boiling water or steam, deactivates the enzymes answerable for browning. Whereas primarily used to enhance texture and protect vitamins, blanching additionally contributes to browning prevention. Nonetheless, the blanching time should be fastidiously managed to keep away from overcooking the apples, which might result in a mushy texture. Due to this fact, if solely needing to forestall browning, you might not have to blanch or much less time than blanching to organize meals.
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Modified Ambiance Packaging
Whereas extra complicated, modified environment packaging (MAP) includes altering the fuel composition surrounding the apples to cut back oxidation. This sometimes includes decreasing the oxygen focus and rising the carbon dioxide or nitrogen ranges. MAP is extra generally utilized in business meals preservation however might be tailored for residence use with specialised tools. The lowered oxygen atmosphere inhibits enzymatic browning, extending the shelf lifetime of the frozen apples.
In conclusion, successfully stopping browning is an integral component of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.” The applying of ascorbic acid or citric acid offers a easy and accessible methodology for residence cooks, whereas blanching presents a twin good thing about enzyme deactivation and textural enchancment. Understanding and implementing these strategies ensures that frozen cooking apples retain their visible enchantment and perceived freshness, enhancing their suitability for varied culinary purposes.
8. Labeling Date
The observe of affixing a labeling date to frozen cooking apples is an indispensable component in sustaining high quality management and guaranteeing meals security. This seemingly easy act offers vital details about the storage period and potential degradation of the product, straight impacting the decision-making course of relating to its suitability for consumption. Due to this fact, the systematic labeling of frozen cooking apples is a key element when contemplating “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.”
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Expiration Evaluation
The labeling date offers a reference level for assessing the approximate expiration or “finest by” date of the frozen apples. Whereas freezing considerably extends the shelf lifetime of meals, it doesn’t halt all degradation processes. Over time, even in a frozen state, the apples can expertise delicate modifications in taste, texture, and dietary content material. The labeling date permits shoppers to estimate whether or not the apples are nonetheless inside an appropriate high quality vary. For instance, if apples had been frozen with a label indicating the date as “June 1, 2024,” and the really helpful freezer storage time is 12 months, one would know to make use of the apples by June 1, 2025, for optimum high quality.
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Stock Administration
For people who recurrently freeze cooking apples, labeling dates facilitate environment friendly stock administration. Clear labeling permits for simple monitoring of which apples have been saved the longest, selling a “first in, first out” (FIFO) system. This ensures that older apples are used earlier than newer ones, minimizing the chance of consuming merchandise which have been within the freezer for an prolonged interval. A sensible instance could be organizing the freezer in order that baggage or containers of apples with earlier labeling dates are positioned within the entrance, serving as a reminder to make use of them first.
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Meals Security Issues
Though frozen meals is mostly secure from bacterial progress, labeling dates help in figuring out merchandise which will have been compromised attributable to freezer malfunction or energy outages. If a freezer has skilled a interval of thawing and refreezing, the labeling date helps decide whether or not the apples had been uncovered to probably unsafe temperature fluctuations. In such circumstances, even when the apples seem visually acceptable, their security could also be questionable, warranting warning. Think about a state of affairs the place a house owner experiences an influence outage and doesn’t notice the freezer temperature has risen above freezing for a number of hours. The labeling date serves as a reminder that the apples might need undergone partial thawing and refreezing, rising the chance of microbial progress or high quality deterioration.
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Traceability and Recall
Within the uncommon occasion of a meals recall, the labeling date might be essential for figuring out and discarding affected merchandise. Whereas much less more likely to apply to home-frozen apples, the precept stays related. If a selected batch of apples used for freezing was later discovered to be contaminated, the labeling date would help in tracing and eradicating the affected frozen apples from the freezer. As an example, if a information announcement alerts shoppers to a salmonella contamination in apples harvested throughout a particular interval, the labeling date permits for simple identification of any frozen apples processed from that probably contaminated batch.
In conclusion, the mixing of labeling dates into the method of freezing cooking apples represents a easy but highly effective instrument for sustaining high quality, guaranteeing meals security, and facilitating environment friendly stock administration. This observe is integral to the accountable and efficient execution of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples,” selling each shopper confidence and the longevity of the preserved product.
Regularly Requested Questions
The next addresses frequent inquiries and misconceptions relating to the optimum preservation of cooking apples by means of freezing. These questions discover key facets of the method, offering readability and sensible steering for efficient implementation.
Query 1: Is it essential to blanch cooking apples earlier than freezing?
Blanching cooking apples previous to freezing presents a number of benefits, together with enzyme deactivation and improved texture retention. Nonetheless, it isn’t strictly essential, notably if the apples will probably be utilized in cooked dishes the place some softening is appropriate. The choice to blanch ought to be based mostly on the supposed end-use and desired high quality of the preserved product.
Query 2: What’s the finest methodology for stopping freezer burn on frozen cooking apples?
Stopping freezer burn requires minimizing air publicity. Using hermetic containers or freezer baggage, eradicating extra air previous to sealing, and wrapping the apples tightly are all efficient methods. The addition of a sugar or syrup pack may also present a protecting barrier in opposition to freezer burn.
Query 3: How lengthy can cooking apples be saved within the freezer?
Cooking apples, when correctly ready and saved, can sometimes be stored within the freezer for 8 to 12 months with out important lack of high quality. Past this era, gradual degradation in taste and texture could happen, though the apples ought to nonetheless be secure for consumption.
Query 4: Can all styles of cooking apples be frozen with equal success?
Not all apple varieties freeze equally nicely. Firmer varieties, reminiscent of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, have a tendency to keep up their texture higher than softer varieties like McIntosh. The number of an applicable selection is a crucial consideration for optimizing the freezing course of.
Query 5: Is it attainable to freeze cooked apple dishes, reminiscent of apple pie filling?
Sure, cooked apple dishes might be efficiently frozen. Make sure the dish is cooled fully earlier than packaging in hermetic containers. When thawing, enable ample time for the dish to defrost within the fridge to keep up optimum texture and taste.
Query 6: Does freezing have an effect on the dietary content material of cooking apples?
Freezing typically has a minimal impression on the dietary content material of cooking apples. Some water-soluble nutritional vitamins, reminiscent of Vitamin C, could expertise slight losses, however the total dietary worth stays largely intact.
These responses present helpful insights into the optimum strategies for freezing cooking apples, addressing frequent considerations and misconceptions. Adherence to those tips contributes to the profitable preservation of this versatile fruit for later culinary use.
The next examines potential challenges and troubleshooting suggestions for guaranteeing the profitable freezing of cooking apples.
Skilled Methods
Enhancing the preservation of cooking apples by means of freezing requires adherence to particular strategies geared toward mitigating frequent points and optimizing the ultimate product’s high quality. These tips provide sensible options for frequent challenges.
Tip 1: Implement Speedy Cooling After Blanching
Following the blanching course of, promptly submerge the apple slices in an ice bathtub. This speedy cooling halts the cooking course of, stopping over-softening and preserving a firmer texture.
Tip 2: Make use of Vacuum Sealing for Enhanced Safety
Vacuum sealing removes almost all air from the storage container, minimizing freezer burn and oxidation. This method is especially efficient for long-term storage and preserving taste.
Tip 3: Strategically Make the most of Sugar or Syrup Packs
When using sugar or syrup packs, regulate the sweetness stage based mostly on the apple selection and supposed use. Overly candy options can masks the apple’s pure taste.
Tip 4: Monitor Freezer Temperature Constantly
Preserve a constant freezer temperature of 0F (-18C) or decrease. Fluctuations in temperature can result in ice crystal formation and textural degradation. Common monitoring is crucial.
Tip 5: Portion Apples Earlier than Freezing
Divide the apple slices into usable parts earlier than freezing. This prevents the necessity to thaw the whole batch for small-scale recipes, decreasing waste and sustaining high quality.
Tip 6: Take into account the Addition of Spices or Flavorings
Improve the flavour profile by including spices reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves earlier than freezing. This infuses the apples with complementary flavors, streamlining recipe preparation.
Tip 7: Keep away from Overcrowding the Freezer
Preserve ample house across the containers to permit for correct air circulation. Overcrowding hinders the freezing course of, probably resulting in uneven freezing and textural modifications.
Making use of the following tips contributes to a higher-quality frozen product, guaranteeing that the cooking apples retain their taste, texture, and usefulness for varied culinary purposes. Minimizing freezer burn, controlling moisture content material, and implementing applicable storage strategies are key.
The following part concludes the dialogue on find out how to freeze cooking apples, summarizing the important thing rules and providing a remaining perspective on the preservation course of.
Preserving Culinary Apples
The previous exploration of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples” delineated the vital components influencing the profitable long-term preservation of this culinary staple. From cautious selection choice and meticulous preparation strategies to managed freezing strategies and correct storage options, every step performs a significant function in sustaining the standard, taste, and texture of the apples. Specific emphasis was positioned on enzyme deactivation by means of blanching, stopping freezer burn with hermetic containers, and implementing applicable thawing processes to reduce mobile harm. Its about optimizing the method for future cooking calls for, in order that cooking apples will probably be at its finest.
Adherence to those tips offers a framework for maximizing the utility of cooking apples past their seasonal availability, minimizing meals waste and enhancing culinary flexibility. Implementing these methods is essential for anybody searching for to include high-quality, preserved apples into their recipes, guaranteeing constant outcomes and minimizing the impression of storage on the ultimate product. Now armed with this information, the right process when preserving cooking apples is obvious; from preparation to freezing, this can drastically scale back meals spoilage.
