I thought applesauce was applesauce. It grows in its own biodegradable, sustainable, compost-able packaging called a skin. You pluck it ripe and juicy from a tree in the brisk sunny days in autumn. Peal it and toss that “packaging” in your compost, cook up the wonderfully sweet flesh, and after a run through the food mill, presto, *apple sauce.* Canning it is best for preservation, although a sleep in the chest freezer could do as well.

Eat applesauce in a cake, eat it as a snack…I take vitamins I don’t want to taste with this stuff. My children eat so much, I feel they are going to turn into a small apple. So we buy the biggie jar from the grocery store. I feel glass jars are best for food storage; the less plastic that comes in contact with our food the better. And, we so toss into our recycling bin that large glass jar when we are all done.

Recently, we found these little, reclosable, very convenient, packets of applesauce. They stand up. The cap screws back on. Oh so convenient when your toddler doesn’t finish it all. They are easy to open, and easy to squeeze. The fruit inside is yummy and there are different flavors! And when you finish this pin-sized portion of sauce you can toss:

• 4 plastic/foil pouches
• with 4 plastic screw-on caps
• and that wonderful cardboard box.

All that packaging in the trash for only 12.6 oz of apple-y goodness! (4) packages would equal the applesauce in (1) large glass jar. Not to mention that this convenience will run you about 75¢ each. Whew! I think we know who is the less-packaging winner here!

I think we are going to try canning a bit of applesauce this year. It is a good way to go organic, keep a bit more cash in our pocket, and consume a lot less packaging. Raise your applesauce spoon, *here is to less packaging!*

**There will, will, will be a crafty update this week. I am working to finish a few projects and hope to have a few moments to stitch and knit!** Have a wonderful Monday!