How To Store Apples
Discover the best strategies for how to store apples to preserve their freshness and flavor, & ensuring they stay crisp and juicy for much longer.
Published: February 28, 2023 · Modified: February 8, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan
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Apples are one of the most versatile fruits, providing nutrients and flavor to a variety of dishes. However, if you don’t store them properly, you can end up with mushy, flavorless apples. To ensure your apples are as fresh and tasty as possible, follow these tips on how to store apples.
Tip 1: Harvest apples with care
When it comes to picking apples, always handle them with care, like you would an egg! Set aside the perfect apples for long-term storage. The less perfect apples that are bruised or slightly damaged need to be eaten within a day or so, or cooked up and used as sauces or even for freezer storage (we’ll talk about this further on). Never store damaged apples next to perfect apples, the saying, “One bad apple spoils the whole bunch” is true!
Tip 2: Storing apples with other fruits
To keep your apples fresh, make sure to store them separately from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables like bananas, tomatoes, and avocados. As a rule of thumb, store apples at least 10 inches away from other produce. To keep them, fresher, for longer. Consider placing a bowl of them on a coffee table away from ethylene-sensitive fruit. However, if you’re looking to quickly ripen some countertop fruit, putting them closer to the apples will speed up the process! I quite often place a couple of apples into a paper bag along with an avocado overnight to ensure a ripe avocado for my breakfast in the morning.
Tip 3: Keep apples cool
You also want to make sure you store the apples in a cool, dry place. A refrigerator is the best option, as it will keep the apples crisp and prevent them from becoming overripe. Keep your apples fresh and tasty by storing them at a temperature between 30 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit, cool enough to chill, but not so cold that it freezes! If you don’t want to store your apples in the refrigerator, you can keep them at room temperature in a dark, cool area.
Tip 4: Best containers to store apples
It’s also important to store apples in a breathable container. Apples are sensitive to moisture, so you don’t want to store them in an airtight container. Instead, use a paper bag or breathable cloth bag, or wooden crate to store your apples. Finally, make sure you check the apples regularly for any signs of spoilage. If you notice any soft spots, throw the apple into your compost bin immediately.
Tip 5: Storing large quantities of apples
If you're lucky enough to have a couple of apple trees with a large yield of fruit, the best way to store them is in a cool, dark area such as a cellar or garage. Make sure the temperature doesn't drop below freezing. Wrap them in newspaper or kraft paper to keep them separate, leaving the stem on if possible. Put your apples in a neat and organized single layer, either in a crate, bin or on orchard racks for extra freshness. By following these tips, you can ensure your apples remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Now that you’ve learned how to store whole fresh apples like a pro, let’s take you through a few other alternative ways to store your apples to get the most out of your harvest.
Tip 6: How to store apples once they have been peeled or sliced
If you’re into meal prepping or planning on baking something sweet, having sliced or peeled apples at the ready is a must. The best way to do this is in three simple steps.
- First, fill a container or bowl with cold water and add about a tablespoon of lemon juice. This creates acidic water that will keep your apples from turning brown.
- Next, peel or slice your apples however you like, then drop the apple pieces into the water.
- Place a lid or cover your container with the apples and acidulated water and place it into a refrigerator.
Voila! Your apple slices will stay crisp for up to two to three days.
Tip 7: How to freeze apples
Freezing apples is such an easy way to store your apples.
- Step one is to peel, core, and slice your apples.
- Next Place them on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet making sure they don’t touch; you don’t want them to stick together during the freezing process.
- Pop the apple slices and baking sheet in the freezer for an hour
- once frozen transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
When you’re ready to bake, you can thaw the apples in the fridge overnight or use them frozen. Freezing your apples like this will help them keep their shape & texture perfectly! As a little side note, if you do opt for thawing them out, strain them in a bowl the following morning to let the excess water drain.
Tip 8: Storing Juiced Apples
Another great way to store apples is to juice them! The juice can be stored in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours or can be frozen between 12 to 16 months. Lots of people ferment their apple juice into cider or make cider vinegar.
Tip 9: Dehydrated Apples
Dehydrated apples or apple crisps are a must try! This is something I make every year. Dried apples are a great high-fiber snack, that’s why I’m always adding them to my kid’s lunch boxes.
- Core and thinly slice your apples.
- Arrange the slices on your dehydrator tray, making sure to leave space between each piece so that the air can circulate.
- Next set your dehydrator to 135ºF or 52ºC and leave them to dry for around 8-12 hours.
- Place into a sealed container or reusable zip lock bags.
Dehydrating your apples this way can last anywhere up to a year, that’s if you don’t eat them all first.
Now that you have an abundance of apples, why not try making these beautiful baked apple roses? They’re easier to make than you might think and only use five ingredients.
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