As autumn arrives in British gardens and orchards, many find themselves facing the familiar dilemma: what to do with the overwhelming surplus of apples? While crumbles and pies have their place, there's a world of savoury possibilities waiting to be explored that can transform this seasonal bounty into extraordinary meals.
Why Go Savoury With Your Apple Harvest?
Moving beyond traditional sweet applications not only provides culinary excitement but also addresses the pressing issue of food waste. With British apple trees often producing more fruit than households can consume through conventional means, creative savoury solutions offer both practical and gastronomic benefits.
Transformative Savoury Apple Creations
1. Caramelised Apple and Onion Chutney
This versatile condiment pairs beautifully with cheeses, cold meats, and curries. The slow cooking process transforms firm apples into a rich, tangy preserve that captures the essence of autumn in a jar.
2. Apple and Celeriac Soup
The natural sweetness of apples provides the perfect counterpoint to earthy celeriac in this comforting soup. Topped with crispy bacon or toasted walnuts, it makes for an elegant starter or light lunch.
3. Apple and Pork Traybake
Apples and pork are classic partners for good reason. In this simple one-pan wonder, apple wedges roast alongside pork chops or sausages, absorbing the meat juices while keeping the dish moist and flavourful.
4. Spiced Apple and Lentil Curry
Diced apples add unexpected sweetness and texture to vegetarian curries, complementing spices like cumin and turmeric while providing natural sweetness that reduces the need for additional sugar.
5. Apple and Walnut Stuffing
Perfect for roast chicken or pork, this stuffing brings texture and moisture to Sunday lunches. The apples keep the mixture wonderfully moist while adding subtle sweetness.
Preservation Techniques for Year-Round Enjoyment
For those with particularly large harvests, several preservation methods can extend your apple enjoyment throughout the year:
- Freezing: Peel, core and slice apples before freezing on baking trays, then transferring to bags
- Drying: Create apple chips using a low oven or dehydrator
- Chutneys and Relishes: These preserve well and make excellent homemade gifts
- Fermenting: Apple kimchi or fermented apple slices add probiotic benefits
Choosing the Right Apple for Savoury Dishes
While any apple can work in savoury preparations, some varieties particularly shine:
- Cox's Orange Pippin: Complex flavour perfect for chutneys
- Bramley: Breaks down beautifully in soups and sauces
- Egremont Russet: Nutty flavour complements cheese dishes perfectly
- Discovery: Holds its shape well in roasting and baking
This autumn, look at your apple surplus not as a problem to solve but as an opportunity for culinary creativity. These savoury applications not only reduce waste but might just become new family favourites that you'll anticipate each apple season.
