For those who just have too many apples

In the spirit of sustainability and embracing a no-waste philosophy, this easy apple juice recipe utilizes the entire apple, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. It’s a refreshing beverage that not only quenches your thirst but also allows you to make the most of the nutritious value found in apples, including the often-discarded peels and cores. Apple-Picking is one of our favorite Fall Time Activities. But if we are keeping it really real…we never eat as many apples as we pick. We rarely bake the pies we promise ourselves we will make but… as we stated in the titled….this is the ultimate EASY and no-waste recipe

Ingredients

• 6-8 apples of any variety, washed and chopped (no need to peel or core)
• 1-2 lemons, washed and sliced (optional, for a zesty flavor)
• Sweetener such as honey, agave syrup, or sugar, to taste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick (optional, for a spiced variant)
• 8-10 cups of water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and chop them into quarters, including the cores and peels.
2. Boil: In a large pot, add the chopped apples and cover them with water. If you’re using lemon slices and/or cinnamon, add them to the pot at this stage.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender.
4. Mash: Use a potato masher or the back of a large spoon to mash the apples, releasing their juices.
5. Strain: Set a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth over another pot or a large bowl. Pour the apple mixture through the sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down with a spoon to extract all the juice. Discard the solids or set aside to use in compost or other recipes.
6. Sweeten: If desired, add your choice of sweetener to the juice and stir well to combine. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
7. Cool: Allow the juice to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a jug or bottles and refrigerate until cold.
8. Serve: Serve the apple juice chilled, over ice if preferred. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for various beverages.

Note

• No Waste: The remaining apple pulp can be used as a base for apple sauce, added to compost, or incorporated into baked goods for added fiber and nutrition.