What is going on with apple butter prices???? 60 percent price jump!

[DebJ]

I googled, but found only a story on the port strikes on the west coast last November that was endangering the shipment of apples from Washington state.

I bought a jar of apple butter, generic brand, about a month ago. 1 lb 12 oz for $1.99.
Today, the only jar size being sold was just 17 oz for the same price of 1.99.
That's a 60% reduction in volume.


My husband has kidney disease, and is on a highly restricted diet. I use about 380 tbsps of apple butter a year for him. How many apples would it take for me to make that much apple butter, and how much time? Yikes.

I'll be checking out the local orchards this fall for their stuff, that's for sure. I pass orchards in south central Pa, in central/western Maryland, and in northern Virginia, that all sell it.

[LiberalElite]

1. Apples are a big crop in New York State

when I see products in supermarkets here in NYC that have imported apples in the ingredient list I don't buy them.

(Next step is for me to actually tell the manufacturer.)

[surrealAmerican]

2. Apple butter is not hard to make ...

... but it does take a long time. I would normally cook it on the stove on very low heat for a whole day or more. If you have a "slow cooker" this would be easier, and you could leave it cooking overnight, or when you're not home.

[AwakeAtLast]

3. The best apple butter I ever had was in PA

My husband is from Reading. I would think the orchards' versions would be better anyway.

I agree with surrealAmerican, though. A good slow cooker will help you make it yourself. There are lots of recipes online. I've wanted to try it myself, just never got around to it.