How to can apples, sliced: time by the book
Apples, sliced is high-acid, so a boiling-water bath is safe — here are the USDA processing times and how time changes with elevation.
How long do you can apples, sliced?
USDA processes apples, sliced for 20 minutes for pints and 20 minutes for quarts, at a full rolling boil, jars covered by at least an inch of water. Ball Test Kitchen (2024) recommends bottled lemon juice for modern apple varieties; USDA (2015) does not require it. Both sources shown.
Altitude adjustment
At altitude a boiling-water bath needs more time: add 5 minutes at 1,001–3,000 ft, 10 minutes at 3,001–6,000 ft, 15 minutes at 6,001–8,000 ft and 20 minutes above 8,000 ft.
Why apples, sliced is water-bath canned
Apples, sliced is high-acid (pH 4.6 or below), so a boiling-water bath reaches a safe temperature. Leave the headspace your tested recipe lists and check every lid sealed before storing.
FAQ
How long do you can apples, sliced?
USDA processes apples, sliced for 20 minutes for pints and 20 minutes for quarts, at a full boil, adjusting time for altitude.
Do you water bath or pressure can apples, sliced?
Apples, sliced is high-acid, so a boiling-water bath is safe.
How do you adjust apples, sliced for altitude?
At altitude a boiling-water bath needs more time: add 5 minutes at 1,001–3,000 ft, 10 minutes at 3,001–6,000 ft, 15 minutes at 6,001–8,000 ft and 20 minutes above 8,000 ft.
Gear this guide uses
Apples, sliced is high-acid, so a boiling-water bath is enough — you just need jars fully submerged.
- A deep water-bath canner with a rack keeps jars off the bottom and fully covered by boiling water.
- A jar lifter and canning funnel make hot-pack filling safe and clean.
- Use tested-recipe Ball mason jars and lids and leave the headspace your recipe calls for.
Some links above are affiliate links — if you buy through them, Moon Dog may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only point to gear we'd actually use.
Sources
General education, not a recipe. Always follow a current USDA-tested process for your food, equipment, and elevation. Processing time per 38th ed.: Apples — sliced (acidified per 2024 update.