Understand the importance of proper apple storage when they are sourced from one’s own tree. Knowing which methods are best regarding the storage of apples is necessary in preserving freshness, taste, and nutrition. Here, the main approaches for storing apples from a tree will be discussed.
The first step towards a successful apple storage is assessing the health of the apples. If any apples are found to be bruised or damaged, they should be immediately discarded or used for juice or anything other than long-term storage. Once the apples have been separated, they should be stored in exact fruit-dealing temperatures, which is somewhere between 30 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another factor of importance is humidity. Apples should be maintained in a place with ample humidity as it helps them keep fresh for longer. The ideal humidity for a storing apples should be between 85 to 90 percent. It’s important to prevent any condensation from forming on the fruits as this could spoil them.
The variety of apple should be taken into consideration when deciding which kind of storage to use. For example, certain apples need to be harvest early and store in cold temperatures if they are to be consumed during the winter. On the other hand, certain apples need to be picked at the peak of their ripeness in order for them to be preserved as long as possible.
The container that the apples are stored in also has an impact on their quality. Most apples don’t require airtight storage, in fact creating an air-mist environment actually helps them stay fresher longer. The most common container used to store apples is a cardboard box with holes poked in the sides.
Finally, the nutritional value of the apples should also play a role in their storage. To retain the maximum amount of nutrition, apples should be stored in the dark when possible. Furthermore, they should be refrigerated if they are to be stored for a time exceeding one week. Keeping the temperature between 33 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit is the best way to ensure that vitamins and minerals are not lost.
Avoiding Monotonousness during Storage
The monotony of the storage process should be avoided. Storing apples in an area with poor air circulation could cause them to discolour and wilt. Furthermore, if stored for a long duration, apples may begin to taste slightly off because of a loss in flavour. To counter these monotonousness, apples can be turned every week and checked occasionally for damage.
Preserving quality when Freezing
Freezing is the preferred way of storing apples if they are to be eaten later. However, this method has its own challenges and requires proper packing beforehand. Apples should be sliced, cored and peeled before being placed in sealed plastic storage bags. The air should then be removed, as much as possible, in order to ensure the fruits are not damaged by freezer burn.
Changing the Enclosed Environment
The environment should also be optimised to control temperature and humidity while storing apples. The ideal temperature to store apples at is between 33 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit and the ideal humidity is between 85 and 90 percent. The environment should also be checked for spoiled apples and the containers should be rotated and changed to minimise monotony.
Using Non-traditional Storage Solutions
Finally, there are some non-traditional storage solutions for apples that can be used depending on personal preference. For example, apples can be stored inside of cloth or linen bags if preferred. This helps retain the aroma of the apples and ensures that the temperature and humidity during the storage phase is consistent.
