Q: What’s the best way to freeze apples?

A: Apples for pies can be frozen by boiling them in water for 2 minutes, then cooling them in ice water and packing them into freezer bags. You also can make apple filling to freeze: Combine about 6 pounds of peeled, cored and sliced apples with 2 cups sugar, 1⁄4 cup flour, 1 1⁄2 teaspoons of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Let stand about 30 minutes, until the mixture is juicy. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and cook over medium heat until thickened. Cool and package it in freezer containers and freeze.

Sliced apples should be frozen in a heavy syrup of equal parts sugar and water. Add 1 teaspoon fruit protector per cup of syrup. Ladle 1/2 cup into each freezer container and add apple slices. Add more syrup if needed, leaving 1/2 inch at the top of the container. Cover, label and freeze.

The easiest way to freeze apples, though, is to make applesauce. Just peel and core the apples and cook them with a little water and sugar to taste. Cook, covered, until the apples are falling apart. Mash and taste, adding more sugar if needed. Then package the sauce in freezer bags and freeze.

Kathleen Purvis answers cooking questions at charlotteobserver.com/food