Raw Apple Sauce Recipe

When I was a child raw apple sauce was my favorite dessert. My parents used to make it quite often. We loved apples and ate them straight up with the skin on. There were hundreds of varieties you could choose from when you went to the farmers' markets. And they were all organic! 


Things changed over the years and now even organic apples are coated with a wax substance that is supposed to prevent spoilage. The wax doesn't come off easily with a simple washing so it is sensible to peel off the skin. This is a bit unfortunate since the vitamins and bio-flavonoids such as quercetin have the highest concentration under the skin. Also, apples oxidize very fast. They not only turn brown during the oxidation process, they also loose nutrients. So, why make apple sauce at all? 

I must admit, I do not make it very often and if I do, I make it only during the cold season. It definitely is a better alternative to a store-bought apple sauce used by many households. It is even better than the traditionally made apple sauce. It is better because it is raw and healthier despite the loss of nutrients.


Ingredients:
  • 10 ripe, sweet apples (I used organic Cox Orange)
  • freshly pressed juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp gingerbread spices (nutmeg, mace, cloves, star anise)
  • 1/3 tsp grated raw ginger (optional)
  • 1/3 cup raw honey (add more if you prefer)


Method:
  • Peel and core the apples. Work as fast as you can to prevent them from turning brown too fast.
  • Puree apples in a food processor together with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice prevents apples from turning brown right away.
  • Transfer apple puree into a mixing bowl. Add honey and spices and mix well. Chill for about 10 minutes before eating. 
  • Also this apple sauce stores well in the fridge for a few days, I suggest you eat it as soon as it is made to prevent further loss of nutrients. Eat is as dessert or in lieu of the traditional cooked apple sauce. Enjoy in good company!
I radiant health, passionately raw - Dominique