The apple is arguably one of the most popular fruits around the world, and that’s hardly surprising. In addition to being rich in fiber and nutrients, which makes it a very healthy food for our body, it is versatile and can be eaten raw, cooked, juiced or stewed. In fact, according to a popular English proverb from the 16th century, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It is therefore not surprising to find it at the top of the ranking of the most consumed fruits in France. But, like many other fruits, there is also the problem of its conservation. Let’s take a look at the best practices together.
You can considerably extend the life of your apples, preserve their flavor and at the same time avoid food waste, by adopting the right reflexes from the moment of purchase.
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If you want to store apples for later use, it’s important to choose the right variety when shopping at the grocer or supermarket. Not all apples are created equal in terms of storability. It depends on several factors such as sugar content, acidity and texture. As Thierry Demarquest, a nurseryman interviewed by France Info, pointed out, “There are around thirty varieties that keep very well. One of the best known is the Reinette Clochard, an old variety of apples that has a lot of taste. These apples, called “guard” apples, can be kept for many months. Among the varieties that keep well are also Fuji, known for its ability to remain crisp even after a long period of storage, as well as Gala and Reinette grise du Canada. In contrast, sweeter apples like Golden Delicious may lose firmness more quickly and they are not as well suited to prolonged storage. The specificities of each variety are therefore essential to take into account. But beyond that, you have to be sure to choose beautiful and healthy fruitsthat is, firm and without any soft or brown spots, which are signs of rot.
For good conservation, you need to choose beautiful apples. Source: spm
Where to store apples for better conservation?
Once you get home with your perfectly selected apples, there are several storage methods available to you for optimal preservation:
If you just want to display a bowl of whole, crisp apples on your counter, that’s totally possible. However, keep in mind that these apples left at room temperature will only stay fresh for about a week. You can therefore keep them there if they are intended to be tasted quickly or, failing that, put them in a cool place and away from direct sunlight to keep them in perfect condition for as long as possible. Indeed, apples do not support heat and the best place to store them is the vegetable drawer. in the refrigerator, where they can last between six and eight weeks. Be sure, however, not to store them next to other fruits and vegetables or stack them on top of each other, as apples produce ethylene gas which causes other apples to ripen more quickly. And as Josselin Saint-Raymond, director of the National Apple-Pear Association (ANPP) explained, in this way, “if an apple rots, it will not contaminate those next to it, above it, or below it.
You can display your apples in a bowl in your kitchen if they are meant to be eaten quickly. Source: spm
Sliced or peeled apples don’t last as long as whole apples. In fact, contact with the air creates a chemical reaction, leading to the production of melanin and the browning of the cut apple pieces. It is oxidation. To prolong their lifespan, between 3 and 5 days, add a few drops of lemon juice. lemon over the slices and store in a resealable bag or airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cut or peeled apples have a shorter shelf life than whole apples. Source: spm
If you are looking for the ideal place to store your apples during the winter, you can opt for a cool place such as a cellar or a garage, as long as the temperature does not drop below zero. To preserve the freshness of your fruits, wrap them gently in newspaper and arrange them in single layers in a dry place. However, beware of spoiled apples which could contaminate the other fruits. For a better preservationregularly check the condition of your apples throughout the winter season and get rid of those that begin to decompose.
Is it possible to freeze apples?
Yes, you can certainly freeze your apples to store them for several months, but be aware that this method will cause them to lose their crunch. Frozen apples (best stored sliced rather than whole for easier thawing) are ideal for use in pies, cakes, applesauce or apple butter.
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Frozen apples keep for a long time Source: spm
If you are a apple lover, the storage tips we’ve shared in this article can go a long way in preserving the freshness and flavor of your favorite fruits for weeks or even months. So now you can enjoy your apples a little longer.
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