There are many ways to store your favourite fruits, but the method you choose can have a dramatic impact on how long they last. When it comes to apples, they often ripen faster than other fruits because they are high producers of ethylene - the gas that causes the softening and sweetening of fruits.
The best storage places for apples are typically in cool and even temperatures and in areas that are well-ventilated, which is why it is often recommended to keep them in containers that offer good air movement. However, the Royal Horticultural Society has shared a particular method that can prolong the life of your apples, keeping them fresh for weeks, and all it involves is using plastic bags.
The RHS wrote: "Small quantities of apples can be put in plastic bags in the fridge to store for a few weeks. Fill a bag with 2-3kg of fruit and pierce several holes in it and fold the top loosely to allow air circulation."
The experts also highlighted that apples "won't withstand temperatures below 2.8C", so it is key that you check the temperature of your fridge ahead of placing the apples in there.
The storage method is particularly key for those who grow their own fruit. According to the RHS, late-season apples, which are varieties that ripen from mid-October onwards, "will not be ready until they are stored for four or five weeks".
Other pointers mentioned by the RHS include storage spots being frost-free, well-ventilated, dark, slightly humid, and free from mice.
Another method that can prolong the life of your apples is to individually wrap them in newspaper or tissue paper.
While these tips are great for keeping your fruit edible for longer, it is always key to keep an eye out for rotting. One bad apple can ruin a whole bunch so it is important to keep an eye on fruit.
Apples can become prone to fungal diseases as a result of poor ventilation. Brown rot and grey mould are the two common rots the RHS warns of and so you should also ensure to keep all storage areas thorougly clean.
Another thing to look out for is core flush, this is where carbon dioxide build up causes pink or brownish discolouration to flesh around the core. It is common in apples store in plastic bags, but placing the plastic bag in the salad drawer of your fridge, which is often the coolest spot, will help reduce the risk.
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