How to Store Apples So They Stay Crisp
It’s almost time to say goodbye to the best summer produce, which means apple season is just around the corner. And while you might already be snacking on apples, the best time to enjoy them is in September and October – during the main harvest.
With apple picking adventures and the fall market just weeks away, there are a few things to consider when shopping for an apple variety. Perfectly ripe apples are free from bruises and dents and are firm to the touch. Soft spots indicate that the apple is overripe and no longer fresh to eat. Once you’ve picked your perfect fruit, knowing how to store apples (and where) can mean the difference between a crunchy snack and a mushy mess. Read on for some helpful apple storage tips to help you enjoy the popular fall fruit all season long.
How to store whole apples
If you want a beautiful bowl of crisp, whole apples to display on your countertop, go ahead. However, keep in mind that they will only last about a week at this point, so make sure you enjoy them quickly. To keep the apples fresh for as long as possible, protect them from direct sunlight.
If you have a lot of whole Granny Smiths and Honeycrisps from a day’s apple harvest and want to extend their shelf life, keep them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. If you wrap whole apples in a damp paper towel and then place them in a plastic bag with holes in them, they can stay fresh for about six weeks. Just remember not to store them next to other fruits and vegetables, as apples contain ethylene gas, which makes other produce ripen faster.
How to store sliced apples
Sliced apples are such a tasty and healthy snack, but they don’t last as long as the whole fruit. To get the most out of your apple slices, store them in a resealable bag or airtight food storage container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3-5 days, although you may notice them starting to turn brown.
To prevent your apple slices from turning brown, toss them in some lemon juice before placing them in a container in the fridge. And don’t worry about your apples taking on a lemon flavor — in fact, using lemon juice only adds a subtle acidity that’s barely noticeable.
Can you freeze apples?
You can certainly store apples in the freezer, but it’s important to note that doing so will cause them to lose their crispness. Because texture is compromised, frozen apples (which are better sliced rather than stored whole so you can save space) are ideal for use in pies, tarts, applesauce, or apple butter.
what’s more If you’re baking with frozen apples, you don’t need to thaw them first. Simply place the frozen slices in a pie crust with the remaining filling, cover with batter and bake. Just be sure to keep an eye on your cake, as using a frozen filling will likely mean adding about 20 minutes or so to the overall baking time.