Can Apples Be Refrigerated?
If you have access to a lot of apples and are planning to stock up for the long term, you might be wondering if you can refrigerate them. Not only will this extend their shelf life, but it also makes it much easier to store them, especially if you don’t have a lot of pantry space. You may therefore wish to know, Can Apples Be Refrigerated?
However, given that they’re in the same family as pears and other fruits that need an almost-explicitly stated cool temperature to keep them from ripening too quickly, many people wonder if there’s some trick to storing apples that isn’t quite so obvious.
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Can Apples Be Refrigerated?
Yes. While you may have heard that refrigeration causes apples to get soggy or lose their flavour, these issues only occur with apples that are already starting to go bad. When you’re storing apples for long-term use, refrigeration will actually slow the ripening process, extending the apple’s shelf life, as well as making it much easier to store and manage.
In fact, refrigeration is the best way to store apples long-term. It’s not just for people who want to stock up on apples, either. If you have a lot of apples, but don’t have the room to store them properly, you can put them in the fridge to keep them fresh until you have the chance to properly store them.
How to Store Apples for Later
If you have apples that you would like to store in your refrigerator, there are a few things you should do first in order to make sure they last as long as possible. First, make sure they’re clean. Apples that are grown conventionally may have residual chemicals on them, so make sure you rinse them well before storing them.
Ordinary apples can be stored in their original packaging until they’re completely rotten. If you have special apples for baking, such as baking apples or Braeburn apples, you can store them in paper bags with a few slices of lemon or lime to keep them from oxidizing. Store apples in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
The best way to store apples for long-term storage is to keep them cool and dark.
Wrapping and Storage Containers
It’s always a good idea to wrap apples in paper or another breathable material before storing them for long periods. This protects them from the elements inside your refrigerator and helps them last longer. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits, like melons and tomatoes, as well as other apples.
Plastic containers are fine for short-term storage, but they’re not great for long-term use. Make sure you don’t store apples in anything made with BPA or other questionable materials.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Refrigerate Apples
In case you have access to a lot of apples and need to refrigerate them to keep them from ripening too quickly, you should follow this step-by-step guide: Wash the apples: Make sure they’re very clean.
This will help prevent the spread of any bacteria that may be present. Make sure the apples are dry: Put them in a paper bag to ensure they’re completely dry before refrigeration. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator:
The very bottom crisper drawer of most refrigerators is the coldest part, so put your apples there.
How Long Do Store Bought Apples Last?
If your apples are purchased fresh, they will last at least one month refrigeration. If they’re conventionally grown, they may last up to three months. If your apples are organic or conventionally grown but are stored in a controlled atmosphere (CA) with ethylene gas, they may last up to five months.
If your apples are kept in a modified atmosphere (MA) with low oxygen levels, they may last up to nine months.
It’s important to note that these are general estimates. Every apple is different and will last for a different length of time. You can tell if your apples are still good by looking for a few common signs of spoilage.
These include Whipped or sticky texture: Apples that have gone bad will often get very runny and lose their firm texture.
Benefits of Cold Storage
Cold storage is the best way to extend your apples’ shelf life. It slows the ripening process, making it harder for them to rot. It also keeps the apples away from ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening process and make the apples go bad more quickly.
Problems with Refrigerating Apples
The downside to refrigerating apples is that they will likely lose some of their flavour, texture, and colour. This is especially true if they’re kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator for a long time. However, this often only applies to apples that are conventionally grown.
If you’re storing organic apples in a controlled atmosphere, they may actually keep their flavour and colour better. Also, cold storage is a short-term solution. If you have a lot of apples that you want to keep in the fridge until you can properly store them, they should be eaten within a few weeks.
FAQS
Can you refrigerate apples after they’ve been cut?
Yes, you can refrigerate apples for up to one day after they’ve been cut.
Can you refrigerate store-bought apples?
Yes, you can store all apples in your refrigerator. However, they will last longer if you keep them out of the coldest part of your fridge and follow the tips above. Can you refrigerate green apples? Yes, green apples can be stored in a refrigerator until they ripen. Can you refrigerate bruised apples? Yes, bruised apples can be stored in a refrigerator until they are used or have turned bad. Can you refrigerate apples that have turned bad? Yes, you can refrigerate apples until they’ve gone completely bad. Can you refrigerate sliced apples? Yes, as long as your slices are covered in water, you can store them in your fridge. Can you refrigerate cut up apples? Yes, but only for a day or two.
Can Apples Be Refrigerated
Apples should be kept out of the coldest part of your refrigerator and stored in a cool area with plenty of ventilation. They should also be stored in their original packaging to protect them from ethylene gas and other chemicals that might have leached into the plastic bags they came in. If they’re not stored properly, your apples may go bad faster than expected.
Conclusion
The best way to keep apples fresh is to store them in the fridge. You can keep apples fresh for up to five months when you place them in the refrigerator. They’ll last even longer if you put them in a plastic bag.
You can also keep apples for about two weeks if you leave them on the counter. If you keep them in a cool place and away from direct sunlight, you’ll be able to enjoy them for a long time.