How To Store Apples
Fall is known to be the season for all things pumpkin, but it’s also apple season. While we can find apples in major supermarkets year-round thanks to global supply chains, the fall months are when they are at their most sublime with deep flavors and vibrant colors that result in the most delicious chips, cakes, muffins and afternoon snacks.
One of the best things about apples is that they are hardy compared to many other fruits, which means you don’t have to be afraid to buy in bulk. Tracy Grondine, USApple’s vice president of communications, says these red, yellow and green beauties can last up to two months if stored properly – so get this giant bag from Costco!
The right apple care
Grondine says simplicity is best when it comes to apple care, noting that one of the biggest mistakes people make with apples is cleaning them too thoroughly before storing them, which can actually prevent that the fruits live their longest and best lives.
“As apples grow, they develop a natural wax to retain moisture and nutrients since they’re a high-water fruit,” she says. “This wax will come off during the cleaning process once they’ve been picked in the orchard, and packhouses will replenish this wax to lock in moisture and protect the apples from microorganisms.”
Each apple gets just two drops of FDA-certified wax that’s been used for nearly 100 years to ensure it stays clean and crisp from orchard to truck to market. That means all you have to do is wash, dry and eat your apples. Grondine says that using specially marketed fruit and vegetable detergents and detergents can actually break down the wax and cause your apples to lose their crispness sooner than necessary.
How to store apples
After rinsing and drying, your apples only need a trip in the fridge to retain their maximum crispness for up to two months, although some can start to brown after six weeks. If you leave them on the counter, they’ll only keep for a few days. Grondine says apples need a temperature-controlled environment to stay fresh and crisp (they call it a crisper drawer for a reason!), and she has long-standing success with dozens of different apple varieties, from the softer Golden Delicious to the firmer Storage in the fridge Honey chips.
Another wonderful thing about apples is that once they start to turn brown or floury, there are many delicious ways to use them. Simmering a fresh pot of cinnamon applesauce or apple cider on the stovetop is a heavenly way to inject festive fall flavors into your home, while whipping up a batch of apple butter lets your family enjoy this delicious fruit year-round. And who doesn’t love a spiced apple cocktail on a crisp Saturday in the fall? However you choose to enjoy them, storing apples properly will save you money and flavor so you can enjoy these juicy fruits whenever the mood strikes.