How to Store Apples
Apples are a nutritious snack enjoyed by millions. What is confusing to so many people is how to store apples so that they taste fresh even days later. After all, fresh apples keep the Doctor away, not rotten or spoiled apples. Read more about the benefits of eating apples.
How do we keep the apples at their freshest for the longest amount of time? There are a few ways to store apples; none are difficult or require a lot of work.
To begin with, you want to choose thick-skinned apples. Apples such as MacIntosh, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Rome are the best ones if you plan to store them for a period of time.
You want to be sure that you also choose apples that have no blemishes. Blemishes will continue to get worse and ruin the apple. It is also important to understand that even a small blemish on an apple will ruin those near it.
Once the apple has been picked, it is best to store it at a cooler temperature with higher humidity. The refrigerator is best, in the crisper drawers. Apples can be stored short-term or long-term, refrigerated or not refrigerated.
To prepare the apples for storage wipe them off with a dry cloth. Do not wash them until you are preparing to eat them. This would wash the natural wax that protects the apple
If you have just a few apples, you can place them into a plastic bag with holes which helps the air to circulate. When you purchase apples, many times they come in bags with premade holes.
If you are going to wash and peel the apples, the best action to take to keep them as fresh as possible is to slice after peeling and have a bowl filled with cold water. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the water. The acid will help prevent the apples from turning color once peeling. Once you place the apple slices in the water, cover them with plastic and place them in the refrigerator.
Apples can also be peeled and sliced, then placed in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Set the tray in the freezer on a flat surface. Be sure the apples do not touch each other. Freeze for one hour, and then place the apples into an airtight container.
Apples can not be stored in the same drawer as vegetables. Apples emit a gas that speeds up the decay of the vegetables around them. Other areas that may make for good storage areas for an abundance of apples are the garage, as long as it is cool and relatively dark. A cellar or basement will also work well.
If possible, wrap each apple with craft paper or in newspaper. These wrapped apples should then be placed in a crate or shallow bin. Apples should be kept in a single layer, as the pressure from the weight of an apple can speed up decay by causing bruising.
