Published on September 8, 2025
Two Clever Ways to Prep Your Apples
In Québec, if there’s one thing we know just as well as hockey, it’s how quickly the seasons change. Eating local 365 days a year takes a bit of creativity — and a sharp eye during harvest season. One of the biggest challenges is enjoying Québec-grown fruits once winter settles in. Luckily, apples are among the few fruits available from summer straight through the cold months. And while they’re delicious to bite into all year long, there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy them differently. To help you make the most of this beloved fruit, Les Croquantes is sharing two clever tips that will save you time in the kitchen.
1. Mason-Jar Magic
Beyond their Pinterest-worthy charm, Mason jars are the perfect allies for soups, pickles, and even spaghetti sauce. But what about apples? Start by peeling and coring them, then placing the pieces in clean Mason jars.
Next comes the secret: a simple syrup that turns these apples into a ready-to-use dessert. Just combine water, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg. Pour over the apples, seal, and voilà! In just a few minutes, you have a delicious dessert base ready to go.
2. Our Best Friend, the Freezer
Prepping apple slices ahead of time can be tricky — they tend to brown fast. Good news: certain varieties like Cortland, Honeycrisp, and Ambrosia naturally resist oxidation. As for the others, there’s an easy solution: lemon juice… and your freezer!
Soak peeled apple slices for 3 to 5 minutes in water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning. Then spread the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once completely frozen, transfer to an airtight freezer bag. Done! You’ve got perfectly preserved apples ready for smoothies, desserts, or baking anytime.
Homemade Goodness
Now that your freezer and pantry are stocked with your favourite Québec apples, why not put them to good use in some comforting homemade recipes? After all, nothing beats those classic dishes that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Here are just a few apple-based classics you can whip up with simple ingredients: applesauce, pies, muffins, breads, and sauces. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a whole lineup of flavourful recipes that keep beautifully — whether on the shelf or in the freezer.
