As autumn rolls in, we’re greeted by crisp air, vibrant foliage, and an abundance of apples. While apples have been maturing since summer, it’s the late-season varieties that store the longest. Here’s a practical guide to storing apples properly and a few creative ways to process them.
How Long Do Apples Last?
The storage life of apples largely depends on when they ripen. Early-season apples are best eaten fresh, as they only last for a short period. Mid-season apples typically last about two to three weeks. To extend their freshness, place up to 10 apples in a polythene bag, puncture small holes for ventilation, and refrigerate them.
Late-season apples, however, are the true long-term keepers. Most varieties can last until the end of the year, and some even as long as spring, if stored correctly
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Proper Apple Storage Tips
For successful long-term storage, choose apple varieties known for their durability. It’s best to harvest apples in the cool morning hours and while they are still slightly under-ripe. Always store perfect apples—those with bruises or blemishes should be eaten immediately.
To prevent apples from spoiling in storage, ensure they don’t touch each other. Wrapping them in paper helps to minimize the risk of spreading disease. Store apples in a cool, frost-free place, such as a shed, root cellar, well-ventilated basement, or a shaded porch. If temperatures fluctuate, insulate your storage container with hay, straw, or shredded paper.
Smaller apples tend to last longer, so eat the larger ones first. Check stored apples regularly, and remove any that are soft or starting to rot. Less-than-perfect apples can be fed to garden birds.
Freezing Apples
If you don’t have a cool place to store your apples, freezing them is an excellent alternative. Frozen apples are great for baking, smoothies, jams, jellies, and applesauce.
To freeze apples, start by peeling and coring them, then cut them into slices. Coat the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning—one lemon is usually enough for 6 to 10 apples. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the slices to labeled freezer bags or containers. This prevents the slices from clumping together. You can also prepare ready-to-bake apple pie fillings for future use.
Making Dried Apple Rings
Dried apples are a delicious and long-lasting snack. Start with washed apples (you can leave the peel on for extra flavor) and core them. Slice the apples into thin rings, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If you like, sprinkle them with cinnamon for extra flavor.
Dry the slices using a dehydrator (set to 135°F/57°C) or in an oven set to the lowest possible temperature (usually 150°F/65°C). Drying can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices. Once dried, let the apple rings cool and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. They’ll last for up to six months.
Making Apple Juice
Apple gluts are perfect for juicing, and you don’t need any specialized equipment! Simply core and chop apples, then place them in a large pot. Add just enough water to cover the apples, bring it to a boil, then simmer until the apples break down into a soft mush. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice.
For a clearer juice, filter it through cheesecloth or coffee filters. You can adjust the sweetness and add more water if needed. Refrigerate the juice for up to a week, or can it in sterilized jars for long-term storage. If freezing, store the juice in airtight containers for up to six months.
Conclusion
Whether you’re storing apples for later or transforming them into delicious treats like frozen slices, dried rings, or fresh juice, there’s no reason to let any apple go to waste this autumn. Share your own tips for apple storage and processing below!