A glut of apples might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a delicious problem to have. With a little planning and creativity, your surplus can provide nourishment, joy, and help others. Whether you’re cooking, preserving, sharing, or composting, your autumn harvest doesn’t have to go to waste.
The signs are this autumn is going to produce a bumper harvest of apples and for many gardeners that means an overwhelming abundance of fruit. If you’ve a garden with plenty of apple trees heavy with fruit, or just one or two trees packed with fruit, a glut of apples can quickly go from a delightful bounty to a frustrating challenge.
Fortunately, there are some creative, practical, and even profitable ways to handle your apple overload.
1. Preserve for the long haul
Preserving apples is one of the most effective ways to extend their shelf life and minimize waste.
Storing: There’s no reason why you can’t successfully store apples over the winter. It takes time and you need to do it with care but it’s well worth it. Select undamaged apples and wrap them individually in paper (newspaper, paper towels, or brown paper) to prevent contact and potential rot spread. Store them in a cool, dark, and preferably slightly humid environment, like an unheated basement, garage, or cellar, ensuring good air circulation. Regularly check for any signs of rotting and remove affected apples promptly. Apples can be stored in a fridge in small plastic bags for weeks, even months.
Drying: Dehydrated apple slices make for excellent snacks. You can use a food dehydrator or a regular oven set at a low temperature. Sprinkle with cinnamon or dip in lemon water to keep them from browning.
Freezing: Apples freeze well when peeled, sliced, and tossed with a bit of lemon juice. Store them in freezer bags for later use in pies, crisps, or smoothies.
2. Get baking (and sharing)
Few things smell as good as apples baking in the oven. And what better excuse to indulge in baking than a surplus of fresh apples?
- Apple pies, crumbles and cobblers are classic comfort desserts that freeze well.
- Apple muffins, cakes, and breads can be made in bulk and frozen or shared with neighbours and friends.
3. Make cider and vinegar
If you have access to a cider press or are willing to invest in one, making fresh apple cider can be a fun process.
- Apple juice (non-alcoholic) is a delicious autumn drink. You can also mull it with spices for a more seasonal drink.
- Cider requires a bit more equipment and fermentation time, but it can be a satisfying home-brewing project.
- Apple cider vinegar is another great option. Made by fermenting apple scraps with water and sugar, it’s useful for cooking and cleaning.
4. Use in savoury dishes
Apples aren’t just for sweet recipes. Their natural tartness and crisp texture pair beautifully with many savoury ingredients.
- Add thin apple slices to salads for a fresh crunch.
- Cook them down with onions for a tangy chutney or relish to serve with meats or cheese.
- Incorporate into roasts or stuffing for an autumnal twist on classic meals.
5. Share and share again
When in doubt, give them away. Many people don’t have access to fresh fruit, and your extra apples could be a welcome treat.
- Offer apples to friends, family, and neighbours.
- Contact local schools, food banks, or shelters—they may welcome fresh produce donations.
- Consider setting up a free produce box outside your home which is often very welcome.
6. Compost
Despite your best efforts, some apples will inevitably go bad—especially windfalls or bruised fruit. Don’t toss them in the rubbish, compost them.Apples break down easily in a compost pile and provide valuable nutrients.
