Discover an eco-friendly way to reduce food waste and make the most out of every part of the apple with this easy Apple Peel Syrup canning recipe. Perfect for drizzling on pancakes, waffles, and desserts!
Why Make Apple Peel Syrup?
When prepping apples for baking or snacking, we often toss the peels and cores without a second thought. But did you know that these “scraps” are packed with flavor and nutrients that can be transformed into a delicious homemade syrup? This Apple Peel Syrup recipe not only helps minimize waste but also offers a rich, fruity syrup that you can enjoy year-round. It’s an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to savor the essence of apples, even after the fresh apple season ends. Learn how to make, can, and enjoy this versatile syrup in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Homemade Apple Peel Syrup
This easy apple peel syrup recipe only requires three ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand:
- Apple Peels and Cores: The stars of this recipe! Gather peels and cores from any variety of apples you enjoy—Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or a mix for a more complex flavor.
- Water: Just enough to cover the apple peels and cores in the pot.
- Sugar: A natural sweetener that brings out the apple flavors and transforms the liquid into syrup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Peel Syrup
Follow these detailed instructions for turning apple scraps into sweet syrup. For the best flavor, we recommend using a mix of apple varieties.
1. Gather and Prepare the Apple Peels and Cores
- Start by collecting apple peels and cores after prepping for pies, sauces, or snacks. This recipe is perfect when you have a large batch of apple scraps.
- You can adjust the quantity of syrup based on how many apple peels and cores you have.
2. Cook the Apple Peelings
- Place the apple peels and cores in a large stockpot and add enough water to cover them fully. Using too much water can dilute the flavor, so aim for just enough to cover.
- Bring the pot to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Simmer Until Soft and Mushy
- Let the mixture cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The apple peels should become soft, releasing their natural juices into the water.
4. Strain the Liquid
- Once the apples are soft, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer to capture a clear liquid without bits of apple. Press the peels to extract as much juice as possible. This strained liquid is now the base for your syrup.
5. Add Sugar and Begin Boiling
- Pour the strained liquid back into the pot, and for every 10 cups of liquid, add 4-5 cups of sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar fully.
6. Boil Until Syrup Reaches Desired Thickness
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Using a candy thermometer, monitor the temperature and aim for 218°F to achieve the ideal syrup consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching, and be patient as the syrup thickens.
7. Pour the Syrup into Clean Canning Jars
- Once your syrup is ready, carefully ladle it into sterilized jelly or pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and secure the lids tightly.
8. Process Jars in a Hot Water Bath for Long-Term Storage
- To preserve your syrup, process the jars in a hot water bath for 20 minutes. This ensures the syrup will be shelf-stable for several months. After processing, let the jars cool undisturbed. As they cool, the lids will seal, indicating successful canning.
9. Store and Enjoy Your Apple Peel Syrup!
- Store the cooled jars in a cool, dark place. Your homemade apple peel syrup is ready to use on pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or baked goods!
Tips for Making the Best Apple Peel Syrup
- Use a Variety of Apples: Mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweet ones like Gala or Fuji creates a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Don’t Overfill Jars: Leaving a 1/2-inch headspace in the jars allows for proper sealing during the hot water bath process.
- Test Syrup Consistency: Dip a spoon in the syrup and let it cool slightly. If it coats the spoon and drips slowly, the syrup is ready for canning.
- Compost Apple Pulp: After straining, the leftover apple peels can be composted to nourish your garden.
- Start Small: If you’re new to apple peel syrup, try a small batch first to see how you like it.
Benefits of Making and Canning Apple Peel Syrup
1. Reduces Food Waste
- This recipe uses apple scraps that would otherwise go to waste, making it a sustainable choice. By turning peels and cores into syrup, you’re reducing your carbon footprint.
2. Nutritional Value
- Apple peels are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Although the syrup is a treat, it retains some nutrients from the apple peels.
3. Natural Sweetener
- Apple peel syrup is free from preservatives and additives, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought syrups.
4. Canning for Year-Round Enjoyment
- Canning allows you to store the syrup for months, so you can savor the taste of apples even when they’re out of season.
5. Versatile Use
- Apple peel syrup isn’t just for breakfast. It can be used in marinades, salad dressings, cocktails, and even as a natural sweetener in baking.
Delicious Ideas for Using Apple Peel Syrup
- Breakfast Topping: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or oatmeal for a fruity twist.
- Dessert Add-On: Pour over ice cream, yogurt, or cheesecake to add a touch of sweetness.
- Flavor for Cocktails: Stir into cocktails for a subtle apple essence.
- Glaze for Meat: Use as a glaze for chicken, pork, or roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts on Apple Peel Syrup
This Apple Peel Syrup recipe is a simple, eco-friendly way to make the most of your apple scraps. It’s a versatile, sweet, and delicious addition to any pantry, and canning allows you to enjoy the flavors of fresh apples long after the harvest season. By using apple peels and cores, you’re not only reducing waste but also crafting a unique syrup to share with friends and family. Try making a batch the next time you’re preparing apples, and you’ll have a golden, fragrant syrup ready to brighten any meal!
