How To Store Apples: The Complete Guide
Proper apple storage is essential for maintaining freshness and preventing waste. Whether you’ve gone apple picking during fall season, bought in bulk to make some of our favorite fall apple recipes, or simply want to make your weekly grocery haul last longer, understanding how to store apples correctly can significantly extend their shelf life and maintain their crisp, delicious flavor.
Table of Contents
Selecting Apples For Storage
Before focusing on storage methods, it’s crucial to start with the right apples. The best candidates for storage are firm, unblemished fruits without any soft spots or bruising.
Late-season varieties like Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Fuji are particularly well-suited for long-term storage due to their sturdy flesh and thick skins.
If you’re planning to bake with your apples later, check out our classic double-crusted apple pie recipe for tips on which varieties work best for baking.
Best Places To Store Apples
The ideal storage location for apples depends on how long you plan to keep them and what storage options are available to you. A root cellar or basement provides optimal conditions for long-term storage, maintaining temperatures between 30-32°F (-1-0°C) with 90-95% humidity. In these conditions, properly stored apples can last for several months.
For those without a root cellar, a garage can be an excellent alternative during winter months in cold climates. However, it’s essential to monitor temperatures to prevent freezing and keep apples away from car exhaust fumes. Store them in insulated containers to protect against temperature fluctuations.
Pantry storage works well for short-term storage of 1-2 weeks. Choose a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight and other produce. The key is maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels while ensuring adequate air circulation.
Refrigerator Storage
The refrigerator is the most practical storage solution for most households. Place apples in the crisper drawer, which helps maintain proper humidity levels. The ideal temperature range is 32-34°F (0-1°C). To prevent moisture buildup while retaining humidity, store apples in perforated plastic bags.
One important consideration when storing apples in the refrigerator is their production of ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen and spoil more quickly. Keep apples in a separate drawer or container away from other produce to prevent premature ripening of nearby fruits and vegetables.
Freezer Storage
Freezing is an excellent option for long-term storage, particularly if you plan to use the apples in cooking or baking. Start by washing the apples thoroughly. While peeling is optional, most people prefer peeled apples for freezing. Slice the apples to your desired size and treat them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
For best results, freeze apple slices individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags or containers. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to take out only what you need.
Remove as much air as possible from storage containers to prevent freezer burn, and don’t forget to label them with the date. Frozen apples can maintain their quality for up to 6 months.
Storing Apple Products
Different Apple products require different storage approaches. Here’s how to handle the most common ones:
Applesauce keeps well in several forms. Unopened commercial applesauce can last up to a year at room temperature, while opened containers should be refrigerated and used within 7-10 days.
When it comes to baked goods, proper storage is crucial. If you’ve made apple oatmeal bars or cinnamon roll apple pie cups, follow the recipe-specific storage instructions for best results.
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most stable apple products, with an indefinite shelf life when properly stored. Keep it in a dark, cool place with the lid tightly sealed. Don’t throw away those apple scraps – use them to make your own homemade apple cider vinegar.
Apple juice storage depends on whether it’s commercial or homemade. Unopened commercial juice will last until its expiration date, while opened juice should be consumed within 7-10 days when refrigerated. Homemade juice has a shorter shelf life of 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Apple butter can last up to a year in your pantry when unopened. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator where it will keep for about 6 months. Homemade apple butter will last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator or up to a year if properly canned.
Recipe FAQs
No, apples don’t continue to ripen once harvested, though they do continue to soften. This is why it’s important to pick or purchase apples at peak ripeness. The taste and sugar content won’t improve after picking, but the texture will change over time.
Check for several key indicators:
– The apple should feel firm when gently squeezed
– The skin should be smooth, not wrinkled
– There shouldn’t be any soft or brown spots
– No unusual odors should be present
Check for any signs of mold If an apple fails any of these tests, it’s best to remove it from storage.
Apples release a natural gas called ethylene, which accelerates ripening in other fruits and vegetables. This is why it’s important to store apples separately from other produce, particularly in refrigerator storage. However, this property can be useful if you want to quickly ripen green bananas – just place them in a paper bag with an apple!
There are several effective methods:
– Toss cut apple slices with lemon juice
– Soak them in cold water with a pinch of salt
– Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Regardless of method, cut apples should be used within 24 hours for best quality.
No, don’t wash apples before storage. The natural waxy coating helps protect them and extend their shelf life. Only wash apples right before you plan to use them. However, if the apples are visibly dirty, wipe them gently with a dry cloth before storing.
Need More Apple Recipes? Try These:
Or any other delicious recipes on my site? If so, please leave a ★★★★★ star rating below and a 📝 comment sharing your thoughts!
To ensure you’re not missing a thing. Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along below!
