Should you wash apples immediately after harvesting?

Avoid washing apples immediately after harvest. This mistake removes the natural protective wax known as bloom. The bloom protects the apples from moisture loss and decay. Washing them too soon will provide water entry to their micro-wounds, and the apple will rot. Proper handling of your harvest will keep it fresher longer.

Moisture plays a major role in the deterioration of stored fruits. Moist apple skins provide an ideal breeding ground for fungi. Moisture also dissolves protective wax, exposing fruit to contamination by bacteria. I learned this the hard way when half of my washed apple harvest molded within 2 weeks, while unwashed apples on the other side of the storage lasted for months!

Varieties react differently to moisture. Skin types absorb moisture in different ways. Thin-skinned types like McIntosh tend to take up moisture the fastest. Firm apples, such as Granny Smith, have better resistance to quick rinses. Regardless of the variety, always store them in a dry location. My Honeycrisp will last the longest with this rule in mind.

It is best to clean apples properly before eating. Rinse under cool running water while gently rubbing. For homegrown fruit, it's best to skip soap, as it leaves residues on the fruit. For commercial apples, they may need to be brushed to remove food-grade waxes. Always dry thoroughly after washing.

Follow these practices to ensure maximum freshness. When stored in cold storage, your unwashed harvest will stay crisp. When you are ready to enjoy them, clean apples will provide full flavor and nutrition. This process will preserve months of the orchard's labor in every bite.

Read the full article: When to Harvest Apples: Expert Timing Guide