When fall comes and you want to bottle apple sauce or apple slices for apple pie, an apple peeler machine and an apple slicer or wedger are a must in your collection of home canning equipment.
Apple Peeling Machine
An apple peeler machine makes peeling an apple a snap. It not only peels the apple… but it removes the core too. The machine has a peeling blade that adjusts for different cutting depths. It also cuts and remove the core of the apple.
To use, you simply attach the apple peeling machine to a hard surface using a clamp or suction base. Attach the apple by way of the three prong fork then crank the handle for the easy peeling and coring of your apple.
Some brands of peeling machines not only core and peel, but slice the apple into a spiral cut.
The secret is… you must use firm apples. If your apples are a bit mushy or there are a lot of soft spots… an apple peeler won’t work well. You’ll have to go back to peeling your apples the old fashion way… using a good paring knife or potato peeler.
Apple Wedger or Slicer
An apple wedger is an additional piece of canning equipment I use to make the job easier. An apple wedger simultaneously cores the apple as well cut it into 8 to 10 pieces. It’s usually made of stainless steel.
After your apple is peeled, just place the slicer over the apple and push down firmly. If you like your apple slices a bit thinner, you’ll have to use a paring knife… but half the battle is won if you use a good apple slicer to begin with.
I keep my apple wedger in my kitchen tool drawer for quick access. I not only use it during the canning and preserving season but it makes serving apple snacks to my grands a snap. It don’t bother peeling the apple (good fiber.) I just wash it and place the apple slicer over the center of the apple and push down hard. I slip the apple slices in a paper cup and hand them out. Off the grand kids go… Waaa Laaa. Healthy treats!
Apples wedges, accompanied with a Carmel Dip or Peanut Butter Dip, is a wonderful indulgence to serve your family or guests in the fall.
Happy Canning and Preserving!
Til Later,
Kathryn Griffiths – Insightful Nana
P.S. If you get your apples fresh from a farmer, just after the apples are picked, you should have no trouble using an apple peeler machine and corer. The apples will be hard and crisp… easy to peel and place into your canning jars.
