Citric Acid Free Ginger & Cinnamon Spiced Applesauce
Warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting, this spiced applesauce is the kind of thing you'll want to keep a jar of in the fridge at all times. Fresh ginger and Ceylon cinnamon bring a gentle heat and complexity that goes so far beyond anything you'd find in a store-bought jar, and a touch of turmeric adds a subtle earthiness that makes the whole thing feel a little special. For anyone navigating a citric acid sensitivity, homemade applesauce is genuinely one of the trickiest staples to replace — commercial versions almost always sneak in citric acid as a preservative, which makes this from-scratch approach a real lifesaver. The only acid here comes from a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, which is a naturally occurring source rather than the manufactured additive that causes problems for so many people. You control the sweetness too, with optional honey stirred in at the end to suit your taste. Mash it chunky for something rustic and textured, or blend it silky smooth — either way, it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week and works as a snack, a side dish, or a topping for oatmeal and pancakes.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lbs apples (about 6 medium), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple chunks, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the apples, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely tender and beginning to collapse, about 15–18 minutes.
- 2
Remove the pan from the heat. Add the Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, then stir to combine.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!