Apples are often crispy and juicy when first purchased, but they can be difficult to store, according to Paul Jackson from NRC Business Waste.
The food storage expert has shared how to keep apples “fresh for months” without having to keep them in the fridge, canning them or dehydrating them.
According to the expert, the “key” to maintaining their “crunchiness” is all in choosing the perfect apple.
Paul explained: “The apple must be perfect, which means no bruises, no cuts and no insect damage. Additionally, the stem should remain intact, as a broken or missing stem can lead to faster spoilage.
“Freshly picked apples from an orchard are ideal since store-bought apples may have been sprayed with chemicals that can affect the ripening process.”
To keep the fruit in prime condition, pack them in a dry, aerated material which includes sawdust, grains, heat-dried sand or even newspaper.
These materials are said to absorb excess moisture which can lead to rot, while also providing a breathable environment for the apples.
The expert said: “Store the packed apples in a cool, dry place like a pantry or a cellar. It is essential to keep them away from potatoes, as potatoes produce a gas called ethylene that accelerates the ripening process in apples, causing them to spoil faster.
“A cool environment will slow down the apples’ natural ripening process and ageing processes, extending their shelf life.”
To help protect them even further from spoilage, wrap them individually in newspaper to prevent one bad apple from affecting the others.
According to the pro, isolating each apple ensures that the others remain unaffected, which can significantly extend their freshness.
Paul continued: “Remember, this storage method works best with apples that are freshly picked rather than those that have been stored for some time.
“Store-bought apples may have already been treated with chemicals or exposed to conditions that affect their ripening, so using fresh apples from an orchard or farmer’s market will yield the best results.”
Similarly, potatoes will also be kept for months if they are stored in similar conditions, in a cool, dry location.
Store them in a netted bag or wicker basket or in a paper bag. Make sure to avoid airtight containers at all costs.
Exposure to light or moisture can bring on rotting in the skin, as well as sprouting and green patches.
Make sure not to eat potatoes which have turned green as this can be harmful if eaten in large quantities.
