Apple sauce

Applesauce, often spelled as apple sauce, is a delightful condiment made from apples. It can be prepared using either peeled or unpeeled apples and can be spiced or sweetened to cater to individual preferences. This sauce is particularly popular in North America and parts of Europe due to its affordability and versatility.

You can make applesauce from various types of apples, depending on whether you prefer a sweet or tart flavor. Traditionally, tart apples were used to create a savory version of the sauce.

While applesauce is readily available in most grocery stores, making it at home is quite simple. The basic process involves cooking apples with water or apple cider. The type of apples you choose will affect the sauce's texture; more acidic apples tend to create a smoother puree. To enhance the flavor, many people add sugar, spices like cinnamon, and acidifiers such as lemon juice or citric acid. An alternative method is baked applesauce, where the apples are baked rather than boiled.

Apple butter is a thicker, more concentrated version of applesauce, with a higher sugar content, which helps it last longer.

In Northern Europe and North America, applesauce is a common side dish. It's often served with roast pork, goose, pork chops, and various potato dishes. Interestingly, applesauce can also be used as a substitute for fat or eggs in some recipes, making it a great option for reducing fat content or creating vegan dishes.

For special diets, applesauce has a long history as a home remedy for diarrhea and is a staple in diets like BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and CRAM (cereal, rice, applesauce, milk) for those with stomach issues. It's also commonly included in soft diets.