How should apples be stored long-term?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.It can be so disheartening to find rotten apples months after harvest - it feels like the work you put in was for nothing. Long-term apple storage maintains a crunchy consistency and sweet flavor, allowing enjoyment to continue through winter. Selecting the right storage requirements for each variety is key! Learning these various ways to store apples helps you avoid wasting the apples you've harvested.
Temperature Control
- Maintain 30-32°F for most varieties using refrigerator settings
- Use appliance thermometers to ensure accuracy
- Avoid freezer sections which cause ice damage
Humidity Management
- Keep humidity near 90% with damp cloths in storage area
- Place water pans near containers to add moisture
- Use perforated plastic bags for balanced airflow
Container Selection
- Choose wooden crates or plastic bins with ventilation
- Limit stacking to two layers maximum
- Line containers with padded material to prevent bruising
Temperature uniformity preserves texture. Variability induces condensation, speeding decomposition. I have a spare refrigerator I use to store my Fuji apples. It keeps them nice and crisp until spring. Change the settings at least every week to monitor the temperature when the power is out.
Inspect stored apples every two weeks. Remove any with soft spots or mold. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Record inspection dates in a log, noting observed conditions. Staying on top of your routine will alert you to issues before they spread throughout your overall harvest.
If you store your apples properly, you'll have fresh apples for months! My supply of Honeycrisp goes until January! The Fuji apples last until April! You can use these storage methods to enjoy the bounty of your orchard long after harvest.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Apples: Expert Timing Guide
