Thank you, Sarah! I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe.

Kayla, Welcome to the world of canning! There’s no need to add additional lemon juice or citric acid to your jars for this applesauce recipe. The lemon juice included in the recipe is optional and used for flavor, not for safety. Just follow the recipe as written, and you’re good to go!

Virginia, Unfortunately, the method of turning jars upside down to seal them isn’t considered safe for home canning. Modern safety guidelines recommend water bath canning for applesauce. This ensures that any bacteria or mold present in the jar or sauce is eliminated through proper heat processing. As for the air pockets in your jars, they can be a concern because they can trap bacteria, which could lead to spoilage, even if the jars appear sealed. I recommend refrigerating or freezing the jars you processed this way, and if you plan to make another batch, it’s best to follow the recipe and water bath canning method to ensure safe preservation.