Apples are some of the nation’s most loved fruits, with them being a staple in fruit bowls in countless homes. However, before too long, they can turn wrinkly, brown and mushy.
If stored in fruit bowls, apples are typically at their best for around a week. Yet, with a simple storage swap, you could extend this to three weeks and beyond.
Apples have a protective peel, which helps them last well. Tesco has issued storage advice for apples as it said: “Apples are highly suited to long-term storage: that’s up to three weeks at a time in a cool, dry and dark place, compared with lasting just under a week at room temperature on your kitchen worktop.”
If you want to store your apples, you should ensure you pick the best ones as just one flawed apple can spoil the whole bunch. Apples should be kept a little above freezing, at around 3°C.
View 2 ImagesApples can last for much longer(Image: Getty Images)
The supermarket suggests you can store apples in the fruit and vegetable draw of a fridge. Make sure the apples aren’t piled on top of other produce, as they release ethylene gas that speeds up ripening.
Wrapping apples also helps them last longer in the fridge. You need a plastic bag with small holes, as this will retain moisture but also allow enough air circulation.
If you do store apples for some time, you will notice a waxy texture on the skin but make sure you leave this on as it keeps out bacteria and locks in the juices.
A cool, dark, dry place is another option for storing apples. Wash them before patting dry and loosely wrapping in a sheet of newspaper.
Layer the apples in a cardboard box with a few air holes and find a spot away from sunlight. Tesco said: “Thick-skinned apples like Granny Smiths tend to best suit this kind of storage, but it will work for most varieties.”
To make apples last even longer, they can be frozen. Any apples can be frozen, with the supermarket suggesting frozen apples are best used for blending into juices, as the taste and texture can change.
Start by washing the apples before drying with a clean tea towel.
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Lay the apples onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, ensuring they’re not touching.
Put the tray into the freezer for two hours. Once they have frozen solid, tip them into a freezer bag.
“Whole apples will keep for approximately six months in the freezer – perfect for prepping a delightful smoothie, whenever you get a craving but don’t have fresh fruit to hand,” Tesco said. “Just remember to defrost them first.”