Whether you picked apples at an orchard or bought them at the store, learn how to store apples to keep them crisp.
It’s a good idea to start with apples that are in the best possible shape. From picking to storage, handle the apples with care—don’t drop them into bags or send them tumbling onto countertops. Damaged peels and bruised flesh speed up the production of ethylene gas, which makes apples rot. This guide explains how to store apples of all kinds, but if you’re hoping to store apples over winter, choose the types of apples meant for storage.
How to Store Whole Apples
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The ideal environment for apple storage is a humid spot with a temperature above freezing; between 34° and 40°F is ideal. For a small number of apples, the crisper drawer in your fridge is a great storage spot. To increase humidity, apples should be stored in a paper bag or perforated plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Apples stored this way will stay crisp and flavorful, both for snacking and to use in recipes like air-fryer apple chips.
How to Store Cut Apples
Your cut and sliced apples should be stored in resealable bags or airtight containers, then stored in the refrigerator for three to five days. Left untreated, the cut surfaces of the apples will begin to turn brown very soon after slicing. Before refrigerating, take a few extra minutes to prevent apples from browning.
How to Prevent Cut Apples from Browning
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Though cut apples that have turned brown are technically fine to eat, they don’t look appetizing. (No kid I know will eat brown apple slices!) The browning is caused by enzymes in the cut surface that oxidize when exposed to air. The good news is that a few items in your pantry can help keep cut apples looking fresh:
- Salt: Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to two cups of water. Soak apple slices in the salt water for several minutes, then rinse well before serving or storing. This brine keeps browning at bay for up to a week.
- Lemon juice: Toss sliced or cut apples with a squirt of lemon juice. As well as keeping apples from turning brown, this also gives them a bright, lemony flavor. The lemon-coated apples will resist browning for a few hours, long enough to tuck them into lunchboxes or set them out for a snack. The flavor also works well in sweet recipes like apple crisp or apple pie.
- Lemon-lime soda: This trick is a favorite of the Taste of Home food styling team. Just soak cut apples in lemon-lime soda, like 7-Up or Sprite, for about 10 minutes. Drain them and they’re ready to use. Since the flavor is neutral, the fruit needs no additional rinsing. Apples soaked in the lemon-lime soda will look good for a couple days.
How to Freeze Apples
Freezing will preserve your fall apple harvest for three to four months. You can freeze apples whole or sliced. Keep in mind that after thawing, the fruit will be very soft. If you’ll need apple slices or chunks, do this prep before freezing.
- Whole apples: When you have a lot of apples to freeze and not a lot of time, this option is your best bet. Wash the apples and dry them well, then freeze them in a single layer on a tray. Once they’re solid, transfer the whole apples to an airtight container or freezer bags.
- Sliced apples: Peeling and slicing beforehand makes it easier to thaw what you need for use in recipes. Peel and core your fresh apples, then cut them into slices or chunks. Toss the cut apples in lemon juice. Freeze the apples in a single layer on a tray; once they’re solid, transfer them to freezer containers or bags with as much air pressed out as possible.
Use thawed apples in cooking or baking recipes, such as apple butter and apple fritters. You can also add frozen apple slices directly into drinks like this apple cider smash. If you’re planning on making pies, freeze the best apples for apple pie.
Tips for Storing Apples
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How do you keep apples fresh longer?
Choose small apples when possible, as they last longer than larger ones. Any apples that have bruises or nicks should be moved away from the rest, and used right away before they spoil. Store your fresh apples in a cold location, with temps above freezing, and keep them out of direct sunlight.
How long do apples last in the fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, whole apples can last four to six weeks. If your refrigerated apples feel mushy or have wrinkled skins, they should be used or thrown out. Learn more about how long produce lasts in the fridge.
Do apples last longer on the counter or in the fridge?
Kept at room temperature, whole apples will stay fresh for one to two weeks. They’ll last longer when stored in the fridge: four to six weeks.
Do apples make other fruits and veggies go bad faster?
It’s not your imagination—apples do make other fresh fruits and veggies go bad more quickly! This is due to ethylene gas released as apples ripen. It’s a common produce mistake to pile apples into bowls with other fruit. Whether in the fridge or on the counter, store apples by themselves.
What’s the best way to store apples for winter?
A cold cellar or garage are great choices for long-term winter storage of apples, as long as the temperature won’t dip below freezing. Wrap each apple in newspaper and store them in single layers in a dry location—an orchard rack is perfect for this. And remember what the old-timers say: One bad apple can spoil the bunch! Check the apples often throughout the winter, and remove any that have begun to rot.
What to Do with Apples That Are Going Bad
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It’s not hard to tell when the apples stored in your fridge or on the counter are on their last legs. Some of the signs are wrinkled skins and mushy spots. Don’t worry, there’s still time to use them! Peel and core the apples, and use a paring knife to cut out any brown spots. Since almost-bad apples have a very soft texture, use them in recipes where they’ll break down completely. Think applesauce, muffins, Dutch apple cake or savory dishes like apple scalloped potatoes and stuffed pork tenderloin. You can also freeze the cut apples to use down the road.
There is a point, however, to draw the line and just toss bad apples. If the fruit smells vinegary, or you see mold, black spots, oozing liquid or one side flattened and brown, it’s best to throw the fruit out.
