For those fortunate enough to have access to an apple tree and the luxury of plucking its abundant fruit, it is important to ensure its quality is maintained so that the bounty is enjoyed to its fullest potential. Storing apple correctly is the only way to guarantee that the apples picked from the tree remain fresh, succulent, and ready for consumption for a longer period. Here’s a list of tips to keep your apples in tip-top condition.
The first step is to swiftly select apples from the tree that have been adequately ripened and have deep color. Immediately after picking the fruits, rinse them with cold water so that it removes any residue or dust and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours. Doing this helps to maintain their crispness and enhance the flavor.
After the apples have been refrigerated, the next step is to separate them according to their variety and size. Keep smaller apples and apples with delicate skins together and sort bigger ones into a different bag. Place them in cooling bags and store them in the bottom drawer of the fridge. This technique helps to maintain the ripening process without accelerating it and also keeps them away from ethylene gas, which can cause them to ripen rapidly.
It is also vital to avoid stacking them one on top of the other. Doing so may cause bruising or damage to them. Instead, lightly wrap them in paper or a mesh bag and hang them on the kitchen wall or arrange them in wooden/plastic trays.
To ensure a longer shelf-life, store apples in an environment that has high humidity levels and is kept at a temperature between 3-9 degree Celsius. While refrigeration hastens the process of deterioration by accelerating the processes of rot and decay, wrapping them in paper helps to keep apples fresh and maintain the length of their storage.
Also, apples must be inspected regularly and any deteriorating or rotting ones must be discarded immediately. This keeps the rest of them fresh for prolonged periods. Furthermore, don’t forget to clean the drawers of the refrigerator periodically so that it remains free from the smell of aging food.
In the end, judiciousness is the path towards responsible storage practices and maintaining food hygiene. The last step is to enjoy the stored apples in your favorite recipe. Bon appetite!
Long-term Storage
For those of you looking for ways to store apples for an extended period, consider putting them in a wooden box. Line it with paper and place a few cotton pads to hold each of the apples in. Storing them in this way not only decreases their contact with each other, which decreases the probability of bruising, but also ensures the implementation of atmospherically controlled environment.
This can be achieved by sprinkling baking soda on the bottom, which raises the humidity level within the box. Additionally, using plastic wrap in room-temperature can also increase the longevity of storage. As an alternative, apples can be dehydrated in the oven overnight. The longer they are kept in the oven, the more leathery the apples become. Dehydrating the apples helps them to retain their vitamin content and render them shelf-stable for up to twelve months.
Cold Storage
Storing apples in cold temperatures is an effective way to keep them fresh and crisp for a few weeks or even a few months. First, put them in a plastic bag and store them in the coldest drawer of the fridge. Ensure that the temperature of the refrigerator is set to fourty-six degrees Fahrenheit. For extra protection against any microorganisms, dip the sliced apples in a mixture of two parts of water and one part of white vinegar.
The acidity and antimicrobial properties of the water-vinegar solution will prevent the apples from developing molds and other bacteria. Additionally, adding a piece of lemon to the container will also help to fight oxidative changes and preserve the sweetness of the apples.
Remember that over-ripe apples tend to react with oxygen more quickly than crunchy and firm varieties. Therefore, it is important to utilize quick storage and preservation measures as soon as possible to extend their shelf-life. Moreover, keeping apples away from oranges, bananas, and melons is ideal as well, as these fruits can cause them to rot quickly.
Dry Storage
Storing apples in a dry or cool place is an effective method to ensure that their shelf-life is extended even further. A temperature of sixty-seventy degrees Fahrenheit, with seventy to eighty percent humidity, is the most suitable environment for this purpose. Keep the apples in a single layer in a basket lined with paper and store them on the kitchen counter in a humid area.
Moreover, in order to defend against pests and keep eating pests at bay, consider sprinkling some cinnamon powder in the basket. If the apples are going to be stored for a prolonged period, consider wrapping each one of the apple in wax paper. This helps to limit air and moisture contact, thereby preventing them from turning spongy and stale.
Additionally, chopped apples should always be stored in an airtight container following an acid wash, as described in the cold storage section. Furthermore, never leave peeled, cored, or sliced apples in the air, as they oxidize rapidly and lose their flavor. Use either airtight containers or cover them with the help of plastic wrap.
Preserving Apples
Preserving apples is an effective way to lengthen their shelf-life and enjoy their freshness and flavor for up to several months. Apples can be pickled, for example, and enjoy them as a condiment with every meal. This technique is especially suitable for older apples.
Moreover, tart apples like Granny Smith or Gravenstein, together with other baking varieties, can be used to make sauces, chutneys, and jams. They are also an essential ingredient in various ciders, either in the form of dried, canned, or juiced. Additionally, apples can also be pureed and frozen to use as a topping on dishes like oatmeal or pasta.
Apart from pickling and freezing, apple slices or chunks can be dehydrated for many hours in the oven or a dehydrative. This process does not require the addition of any sugar and is a great way to stock up on different fruits for the winter months. Apples dried this way last up to one year when stored in air-tight containers.
Morelover, apples can be cooked in the form of whole pies, tarts, cobblers, and cakes. Heating them is an ideal way to allow the apples to absorb the different flavors within the recipe, and provides an excuse to indulge in some homemade desserts. Even when the apples are baked, they keep the same amount of healthy benefits and can still be enjoyed for months forward.
