Tips to keep apples fresh

Apples are a popular fruit because of their sweet taste and nutritional value. They contain fibre, vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Apples also contain a type of soluble fibre called pectin which may help support digestion. However if apples are not stored properly they can become soft and lose their freshness.

Store apples properly in the refrigerator

One of the easiest ways to keep apples fresh is to store them in the refrigerator. The fruit drawer is usually a good place for this. Keeping apples slightly apart can help prevent bruising and reduce the chance of one damaged apple affecting others.

You can also wrap apples individually in paper to protect them from rubbing against each other. Make sure the apples are completely dry before wrapping them. Avoid storing them in sealed plastic bags where moisture can build up as excess moisture may encourage mould and spoilage.

Keep apples away from some other fruits

Apples release a natural gas called ethylene, which can speed up the ripening of certain fruits. For this reason it may be helpful to keep apples away from bananas and other fruits that produce ethylene.

However you do not need to separate every type of fruit completely. Proper storage conditions and good airflow can also help keep fruits fresh for longer.

How to stop cut apples from turning brown

When an apple is cut and exposed to air it may gradually turn brown. This happens because of a natural process called oxidation.

To slow down this process squeeze a little lemon juice over the cut pieces. The acidity of the lemon juice can help them maintain their colour for longer. After cutting the apple place the pieces in a clean covered container and store them in the refrigerator.

For the best quality try to eat them as soon as possible.

Should you store apples in the freezer?

Freezing apples is not necessary if you simply want to keep them fresh for everyday eating. The freezing process can change their texture making them softer after they thaw. However freezing can be a useful option if you plan to use apples later in smoothies baking or cooked dishes.

Final thoughts

Keeping apples fresh is easy when you store them correctly. Refrigerate whole apples, keep them dry and protect them from bruising. If you cut an appleadd a little lemon juice to slow browning and keep the pieces in a covered container in the refrigerator.