If you’ve been wondering how to store apples, keep reading. We found the best tips and tricks to keep fruit as fresh and flavorful as the day it was picked. (You’ll need ’em for these fresh-picked apple recipes!)
To start, choose the best apples. I’ve found that some apples keep better than others—specifically, apples that are more tart. Choose apple types like Granny Smith, McIntosh, Fuji, Rome, Northern Spy or Winesap. The thicker skin on these apples also helps them last longer.
From picking to storage, handle apples as gently as you would an egg. Don’t drop apples into bags or send them tumbling onto countertops. This will damage the skins and bruise the flesh—both of which will speed the production of ethylene gas that makes apples rot.
How to Store Apples (Whole)
The ideal environment for storage is a humid spot with a temperature between 30-35° F. For a small number of apples, the crisper drawer in your fridge is a great storage spot. To increase humidity, apples should be in a plastic bag with holes, or be covered with a damp paper towel.
How to Store Apples (Cut)
Your cut and sliced apples should be stored in resealable bags or airtight containers, and kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Yes, sliced apples will begin to turn brown as soon as you slice them—but you can easily prevent the browning.
How to Prevent Cut Apples from Browning
Though apple slices 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 a chemical reaction: enzymes in the cut surface oxidize when exposed to air. The good news is there are a few items in your pantry that can keep cut apples looking fresh:
- Salt water: Use 1/4 teaspoon salt to two cups of water. Soak apple slices in the salt water for a few minutes, then rinse before serving or storing. This brine keeps browning at bay for up to a week.
- Lemon juice: Tossing cut apples in lemon juice will keep them from browning. It will also impart extra tartness and lemon flavor to the apples. Use these slices in lunchboxes and on fruit platters, or in sweet recipes like apple crisps and pies. Sliced apples tossed in lemon juice will start to brown again after a few hours.
- Lemon-lime soda: This trick is a favorite of the Taste of Home food styling team. Soak cut apples in lemon-lime soda, like 7-Up or Sprite, for about 10 minutes. Drain them just before using. Since the flavor is neutral, the fruit needs no additional rinsing. Apples soaked in the lemon-lime soda will look good for a couple of days.
Can You Freeze Apples?
Yes! You can freeze apples whole or sliced. Freezing apples will preserve them for several months. Since freezing changes the texture of apples, making them softer, they’re best used in cooking, baking or in smoothies.
Whole apples: The benefit here is that you don’t have to do as much prep work beforehand. Wash and dry them well, then freeze them in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and seal.
Sliced apples: Prepping and slicing beforehand makes it easier to thaw what you need for use in recipes. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into large slices. Toss the slices in lemon juice or soak them in salt water, then rinse. Freeze the slices in a single layer, and once frozen, store sealed in freezer bags.
Tips from the Test Kitchen
How do you keep apples fresh longer?
Choose small apples, 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. Keeping apples in a cool place will also help them stay fresh.
How long do apples last in the fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, your apples can last six to eight weeks. 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 only stay fresh for about a week. The fridge is the best place to make your apples last.
Do apples make other fruits and veggies go bad faster?
Yes! Apples give off ethylene gas as they ripen, and this gas will make other produce go bad more quickly. Store other produce away from apples. Don’t miss the other produce mistakes you may be making!
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 go below freezing. Wrap each apple in newspaper and store them in single layers in a dry location. Don’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch, though. Check the apples often throughout the winter, and discard any that are beginning to rot.
The Best Apple Recipes to Make with Your Harvest
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Apple Spice Waffles
These Apple Spice Waffles are cozy and comforting anytime—morning or evening. The smell of toasty waffles with apples is sure to warm you up even on the most blustery of winter days. —Jane Sims, De Leon, Texas
Apple Gingerbread Skillet Cake
This gingerbread recipe came from my grandmother, and we always ate it with warm applesauce. I adapted it into a one-pan dessert by layering the apples around the bottom of a cast-iron skillet and topping them with the gingerbread batter. The skillet creates a wonderfully thick crust on the gingerbread. —Mary M. Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
German Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Apples
I created this Old World favorite from a dish I had in my travels. This flavorful slow-cooker bratwurst recipe is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I like to serve it with pasta. —Gerald Hetrick, Erie, Pennsylvania
Granny’s Apple Scalloped Potatoes
This scalloped potatoes with apples dish is delicious with breaded baked pork chops, which you could cook at the same time in another cast-iron pan. We are retired and it's just the two of us, but you could easily double the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
Slow-Cooked Pumpkin Apple Cobbler
This spiced pumpkin apple cobbler recipe is sure to please all of your holiday guests. It's perfect for fall, but can be made year-round since it uses fresh or frozen cranberries. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Dutch Apple Cake
My husband and I came to Canada from Holland over 40 years ago This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
Apple-Sage Roasted Turkey
A hint of apple flavor gives a slightly sweet spin to a holiday dinner’s main event. The lovely aroma wafting from your kitchen as this turkey cooks will have everybody talking. —Suzy Horvath, Milwaukie, Oregon
Apple Butter Bread Pudding
This is one of my mother's best recipes! I'm sure your family will be delighted with it, too! Serve is as a dessert or a very special breakfast treat. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska
Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
One Thanksgiving, I lost the recipe I planned to use, so I threw this cranberry stuffing together. My cousin Sandy, a die-hard traditional stuffing fan, said this was the best stuffing she’d ever tasted! Talk about a compliment! —Beverly Norris, Evanston, Wyoming
Curried Pumpkin Apple Soup
Sweet apples and spicy curry combine in this rich soup, which is perfect for fall. A small serving is all you need to satisfy. —Jane Shapton, Irvine, California
Banana Applesauce
The recipe has evolved for the many years we have made it. This version has been a favorite at our Christmas dinners.—Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Sausage and Pancake Casserole
Trial and error made this pancake casserole recipe one my family asks for time and time again. It's so easy and very good. —Ethel Sanders, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Looking for ways to cut down on the number of dishes that require oven time on Thanksgiving, I devised a sweet potato dish that can be made ahead in a slow cooker. It’s not too sweet, and it makes a perfect side for turkey or ham. —Judy Batson, Tampa, FL
Sage-Apple Cider Bread
Who knew sage and apple cider would create such a fantastic bread? This versatile loaf that has just a hint of sweetness makes wonderful sandwiches or stuffing. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage Hash
This can be served as a side or as the main dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like to serve it topped with poached or fried eggs for breakfast. —Valerie Donn, Williamsburg, Michigan
Apple Peanut Butter Cookies
These apple peanut butter cookies are great for fall gatherings. They're crisp on the outside and soft inside. —Marjorie Benson, New Castle, Pennsylvania
Baked Apple Slices
Nothing beats these tender baked apple slices over ice cream for satisfying harvest flavor. This old-fashioned treat gives a new twist to traditional baked apples. They are also excellent served over waffles or with ham. I make sure to save room for dessert! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Apple and Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Red Currant Sauce
My roasted pork tenderloin is stuffed with two of our favorite ingredients: walnuts and apples. This comforting entree is my family's most requested pork dish. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Apple Pie Ricotta Waffles
I had apples and ricotta cheese to use up, so instead of making a pie I decided to do something different. The result was these fluffy, tender waffles with just a hint of sweetness. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
I am a healthy eater most of the time, but this apple spice cake is worth the splurge! Every year, I treasure the opportunity to make my own birthday cake, and I choose this. You can add a cup of raisins to the batter before baking if you'd like. —Jennifer Owen, Louisville, Kentucky
Polish Kraut with Apples
The combination of apples, sauerkraut and smoked sausage gives this hearty dinner an Old World flavor. I like making it because it's so easy to make. —Caren Markee, Cary, Illinois
Hot Cider
Field editor Glenna Tooman of Boise, Idaho dresses up apple cider using lemonade, orange juice, honey and spices. "It makes a welcome treat for a party," she notes.
Upside-Down Apple Bacon Pancake
I frequently cook Sunday brunch for my husband and myself, and I am always experimenting with new recipes. Apples picked from our tree were the inspiration behind these sweet and savory pancakes, which my husband quickly declared a keeper. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Cast-Iron Apple Nutmeg Coffee Cake
I'm not a great baker, but I do love coffee. In an effort to practice my baking, I use up the morning's last bit of coffee to make this cake—literally. It is super moist and crumbly, and tastes like you dunked your cake right into a cup of hot joe. — Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Apple, Butternut and Sausage Dressing
I'd heard about using squash in dressing, so I combined four things I love into one dish: apples, butternut squash, bacon and maple sausage! Now, it's one of the most requested dishes during the holidays. —Brenda Crouch, Ansley, Nebraska
Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes
Cornmeal gives this upside-down cake a unique texture. Apples, cranberries and pecan make a delicious alternative to the typical pineapple and cherries. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington
Caramel Apple Scones
A drizzle of caramel complements the apple and whole wheat flavors of these rustic-looking scones. —Arlene Cook, Bainbridge, Georgia
Rustic Caramel Apple Tart
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Cranberry Apple Crisp
Apple cranberry crisp is a wonderful dessert for fall, when both cranberries and apples are in season. The fruits are quite compatible in flavor and color, and they help make any table look festive and inviting. —Martha Sue Stroud, Clarksville, Texas
Roast Pork Loin with Rosemary Applesauce
I made this for a family get-together on my husband's birthday. The homemade rosemary applesauce adds an extra layer of comfort to the tender pork. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Air-Fryer Apple Fritters
These easy air-fryer apple fritters with brown butter glaze are healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still as delicious. Plus they're made in under 30 minutes for a quick and easy air-fryer dessert! — Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Slow-Cooked Bread Pudding
This warm and hearty dessert is perfect on any cold, blustery winter evening. And the slow cooker fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. My stomach is growling just thinking about it! —Maiah Albi, Carlsbad, California
Autumn Pork Roast
Although this main meal captures the fabulous flavor of fall, don't hesitate to serve it throughout the year. Your family will flock to the table when they smell this delicious roast. It's a hearty dish that makes everyday dinners more special.—Kathy Barbarek, Joliet, Illinois
German Apple Pancake
If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington
Grilled Apple Tossed Salad
The grilled apples in this salad combine so well with the blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing. I like to serve it on pink Depression glass dessert plates from my great-grandmother. —Paul Soska, Toledo, Ohio
Air-Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls
These easy apple pie egg rolls can be prepared as needed, using egg roll wrappers as vessels for the fruit rather than traditional pie crust. The air-fryer method of cooking results in a crispy, crunchy crust with a tender, juicy filling. Flavored cream cheese spread may be used instead of plain, depending on availability. —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Winning Apple Crisp
I live in apple country, and a delicious crisp is one good way to use them that doesn't take a lot of time. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
Pressure-Cooker Pork with Apples and Dried Plums
The classic flavors of herbes de Provence, apples and dried plums make this easy cooked pork taste like a hearty meal at a French country cafe. For a traditional pairing, serve the pork with braised lentils. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Apple Kolaches
A fellow home cook shared this recipe for a sweet, fruit-filled pastry. My son, who isn’t a dessert fan, was disappointed when he came home to find his dad had polished off the last kolache in the batch. —Ann Johnson, Evansville, Indiana
Apple Cider-Glazed Ham
When I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Apple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Both my husband and I were raised on farms, and we prefer home cooking to eating out. That works out fine since I love trying new recipes! I've served this apple salsa as an appetizer and a snack. Plus, it's sweet enough to be a dessert. It's easy to transport besides. —Carolyn Brinkmeyer, Golden, Colorado
Oatmeal Caramel Apple Cookies
This recipe for caramel apple cookies is a fun twist on traditional oatmeal raisin. These treats are hard to resist! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream
These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they're just as delicious any time of year. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing
If you have squash or cranberry lovers at the table, here’s your new go-to recipe. It’s colorful, the blend of flavors is delicious and it’s a fitting addition to a Thanksgiving menu. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Upside-Down Apple Pie
This pie has won eight ribbons at area fairs. People say it looks and tastes like a giant apple-cinnamon bun. I take time off from work around the holidays to fill pie requests from family and friends. The recipe has become everyone's favorite. —Susan Frisch, Germansville, Pennsylvania
Bite-Sized Apple Pies
These little bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
All-Day Apple Butter
I make several batches of this simple and delicious homemade apple butter recipe to freeze in jars. Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, you can adjust the sugar to taste. —Betty Ruenholl, Syracuse, Nebraska
"Everything" Stuffing
Of all the stuffing recipes, my husband and father both go crazy for this particular dish! The leftovers freeze well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Apple donuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider donut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
German Apple Strudel
This gorgeous strudel has just what you crave this time of year: thin layers of flaky crust and lots of juicy apples. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Apple Chicken Quesadillas
My sister came up with an easy recipe that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. People are surprised by the combination of chicken, apples, tomatoes and corn inside the crispy tortillas, but they love it. —Stacia Slagle of Maysville, Missouri
Glazed Apple-Maple Blondies
My 6-year-old son and I conjured up this recipe to use up the last of the apples we picked from the local apple orchard. Serve it with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Cheese and sage go well with apples, so why not put them all in scones? These mini ones make a fall brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Apple Pie
I remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested, "Maybe a slice of my homemade apple pie will make you feel better." One bite, and Grandma was right. If you want to learn how to make homemade apple pie filling, this is really the only recipe you need. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
Cinnamon-Apple Pork Chops
When I found these pork chops and apples recipe online years ago, it quickly became a favorite. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and the one-pan cleanup is a bonus. —Christina Price, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Apple Pie Filling
My family is always delighted to see an oven-fresh pie cooling on the counter. What a convenience it is to have jars of homemade freezer apple pie filling on hand so I can treat them to pies year-round. —Laurie Mace, Los Osos, California
Apple-Spice Angel Food Cake
I dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois
Butternut Squash Apple Bake
Even those who aren't fans of squash enjoy this side dish. Sweet slices of butternut squash are topped with apples covered in a cinnamon-sugar glaze for a quick and easy dinner accompaniment. —Ellie Klopping, Toledo, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Pork and Apple Curry
Here's a gentle curry dish that's sure to please American palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
Festive Apple Dip
I came up with this layered peanut butter treat when my dad gave me a big bag of apples. The dip has been one of my favorites ever since. In addition to serving it with apples, try it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, banana chunks or animal crackers. —Theresa Tometich, Coralville, Iowa
German Red Cabbage
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Apple Kuchen Bars
This recipe is about family, comfort and simplicity. My mom made this delicious sweet treat many a winter night and served it warm with some of her famous homemade ice cream. I like to make a double batch and pass on the love! —Elizabeth Monfort, Celina, Ohio
Maple Cran-Apple Breakfast Pizza
When hosting overnight guests, I like to start their day with a giant surprise – a breakfast pizza with apples, sausage and cranberries. Bye-bye, ho-hum morning. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, TX
Apple-Almond Muffins
I like to snack on apple slices slathered with almond butter. That's the flavor combo that inspired these muffins. Add a dash of almond extract to boost the nuttiness. —Kelly Alesso, Chicago, IL
Apple-Sage Sausage Patties
Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Fruity Baked Oatmeal
This is my husband’s favorite breakfast treat and the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, filling and always a hit when I serve it to guests. —Karen Schroeder, Kankakee, Illinois.
Apple-Feta Tossed Salad
A friend of mine shared this recipe with me after I raved about the delightful salad at dinner. I have served it for years now, and no matter where i take it, I have to bring along copies of the recipe to hand out. -Marlene Clark Apple Valley, California
Potluck German Apple Cake
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Contest-Winning Caramel Apple Crisp
When my kids and I make apple crisp, we use all sorts of apples to boost the flavor and texture. Add melted caramels, and you’ve got something scrumptious. —Michelle Brooks, Clarkston, Michigan
Pecan Apple Pancakes
Weekend breakfasts are a big deal here in Texas, and these sweet, well-spiced pancakes make any breakfast special. So put on your apron and invite the neighbors in! —Sharon Richardson, Dallas, Texas
Candy Bar Apple Salad
This creamy, sweet snickers salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Golden Harvest Apple Pie
You'll think Grandma was baking in the kitchen when you taste your first bite of this old-fashioned pie. The golden, tender crust holds a yummy apple filling with a hint of orange.—Drew Menne, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola
Because of food allergies, I’ve learned to swap ingredients. There are no grains in this granola but loads of nuts and apples. Try it with yogurt or milk. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Apple-Cranberry Grains
These delicious slow-cooker grains are perfect. I set my slow cooker to start automatically overnight and a hearty breakfast is ready in the morning, making this quick and healthy recipe a favorite in my home. —Sherisse Dawe, Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada
Apple Brown Betty
This apple brown betty can be whipped up in hardly any time. It costs little to prepare, but it's big on flavor. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
Apple Pear Coffee Cake
A friend gave me this apple pear coffee cake recipe to make for a breakfast I was hosting. The pan was empty before the breakfast was over! It's one of my most-requested recipes, probably because it's a bit different. —Joanne Hoschette, Paxton, Massachusetts
Apple Cranberry Slab Pie
My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan
Chunky Applesauce
There's just something extra special about a homemade applesauce recipe like this one. This simple dish is tart and not too sweet. It makes the perfect side, especially with pork chops or a pork roast. —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Northwoods Wild Rice Salad
This is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw served at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that’s perfect with tangy sauerkraut. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, MinnesotaThe post How to Store Apples and Keep Them Fresh appeared first on Taste of Home.
Nancy Mock