Fall is here – time to pay a visit to the apple growers and stock up on apples for fall and winter. These tips will keep your apples juicy and crisp for several months.
1. The apple likes it cool
Stored at room temperature, apples ripen faster and become shriveled. Always store the fruit as cool as possible, 2 to 5 °C is ideal. This temperature prevails, for example, in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.
If you don’t want to dedicate the entire lower level of your refrigerator to apple storage, cool basement rooms and/or the balcony are also suitable. On the balcony, however, the apples need a place in the shade, because being illuminated by the sun accelerates the ripening process. It is important that you do not expose the apples to frost.
2. Nice and airy, please
Apples feel happiest when they are loosely packed in boxes on newspaper. If space allows, use multiple crates rather than stacking the fruit. Also, make sure the apples aren’t touching; This is how you prevent rotten spots and mold.
3. Protection from evaporation
In order for the apple skin to stay plump, protection against evaporation is also important. Many apple farmers offer their fruit in plastic bags. These are good for storage. Ventilation holes are important to prevent condensation from forming. Alternatively, you can place a plastic bag or foil, also with ventilation holes, over your apple crates.
4. It depends on the right apple
Not all apple varieties store well. For example, the following are well suited:
- boskoop
- Braeburn
- Elstar
- Gala
- Golden Delicious
- Jonagold
- Idared
- Welland
- rubies
- topaz
It is best to ask the farmer or retailer you trust which varieties he particularly recommends.
