Hello apple season! I wanted to share this post on things to do with leftover apple cores this season since most people are starting to enjoy all the apples available now. 

And if you’re lucky enough, you might even go to an apple orchard to pick your own! That is on my bucket list. 

I love all the apple options this time of year, and we go through so many! Apples are also cheaper, so you can buy pounds of them for just a few dollars or less. 

Instead of throwing them out, here are some things to do with leftover apple cores this season so they don’t go to waste. 

Things To Do With Leftover Apple Cores This Season

Apples are so good for you. They are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and taste so delicious! 

The smell of apples reminds me of a beautiful  day in early fall. 

I love to cook with apples or just eat them raw! I throw so many apple cores away each year, I thought it would be better to start using them.

Here are some of the best ways to use leftover apple cores!

Make Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar

This is probably the best thing to do with leftover apple cores. You can also use apple peels, but it’s hard to know how clean the peels are….so apple cores and apple flesh are really good for this recipe. 

Ingredients:

• Apple Cores (from 6 or 8 big apples)
• Apple flesh left over from bruised or over ripe apples (optional if you have it)
• 2 cups of water (filtered or bottled is best)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (must be this for the fermentation)
• One quart size canning jar with lid
• Coffee filter or cheese cloth

Directions:

1. Add the apple cores to jar and any apple pieces you have.
2. Sprinkle the sugar on top, then top with the water. Make sure all the apples are covered with water to avoid mold!!! Very important. Also make sure to only fill the jar about 2/3 full since the apples will expand.
3. Add a coffee filter or cheese cloth to the top, then use the ring part of the canning lid to secure. You can use a rubber band to secure if you don’t have the ring.
4. Let it steep for 2 weeks in a dark, warm place.
5. Strain out the apple cores and pieces at this time. Add a new coffee filter or cheese cloth and let it sit for a few more days. It will begin to fizz and even get cloudy, this means it is still fermenting. For strong vinegar, let it continue for another week. Or you can stop after a few days.
6. Once vinegar is done, add a lid and store in the refrigerator. 

My favorite way to use apple cider vinegar is in this healthy, metabolism boosting drink!

Use Apple Cores For Room Spray

One of my favorite things to do with apple cores is throw them into a pot for a batch of homemade autumn room spray. Here is the full recipe!

Make Apple Juice

This recipe is fantastic for a healthy apple juice option!

Put Them In Smoothies 

The core is full of many healthy benefits, so you can add the whole thing into a smoothie! Here is a post from earlier this year in smoothies and my favorite blender. If you don’t have a heavy duty blender, be sure to remove the seeds! In fact, too many apple seeds can be toxic due to the cyanide content. 

Quick chemist tip regarding apple seeds —> the seeds contain a chemical called amygdalin. When crushed, this chemical turns into hydrogen cyanide. This is why apple seeds are toxic to dogs! It takes a larger amount of effect humans, but it’s probably best to avoid the seeds!!

Make Crockpot Apple Butter

Remember this post from last year? This healthy crockpot apple butter is so delicious and easy! If you have a bunch of apple cores, throw those into the crockpot too. It turns out just as good.

Throw Them Into This Low Calorie Apple Pie Shake

This is an OLD recipe, but still a nice treat. Use leftover apple cores in this recipe for a delicious fall treat!

Put Them In Compost

Apple cores have many benefits for compost. You can start a new one or add to an existing compost pile.

Make Apple Syrup

This apple syrup recipe looks delicious! Such a great way to use leftover cores!

Use It For Your Face

Apples have great benefits for your skin, and they can lighten and tighten your face. Make a purée of the cores (remove seeds first). Add in a little honey, then apply to your face. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse. It also smells amazing!

Feed The Birds

Birds love fruit especially apples! Remove the seeds from the core and dice them up for your bird feeder. Here is a great article on feeding wild birds.

Make Stovetop Potpourri 

The room spray I show above is my favorite, but it’s also fun to just make a stovetop potpourri. Simmer a large pot of water on the stove. Add in a bunch of apple cores, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange rinds, and leave on a simmer all day. The more Apple cores you add, then more wonderful it smells!

Do you have anything special you do with leftover apple cores? 

Happy Fall Y’all!