We’re currently staying with Emma in Ch*** and she has a surplus of apples too soft to eat, and not enough freezer space. I’m wondering about stewing them and putting into sterilised jars with screw lids. Will that work? I feel like I’ve read that you need to use sugar as a preservative, but if they’re sealed.......... thanks for your help. Janet

I think this gives a really good summary of the whole thing [www.healthycanning.com]

I slice and poach apples and use the unsweetened poaching liquid to top up the jars of apples. I usually water bath them for a further 30 minutes but so long as the rim is clean, it’s not 100% necessary. I use both recycled jars with twist top lids and mason jars. Am still eating apples from the previous season and still alive to tell the tale. Dried apples are another option for soft fruit - great as snacks or added to homemade muesli.