If you’re keen to keep your apples fresher for longer, storing them separately could be the answer, according to experts at NRC Business Waste.
They suggest that individually wrapping each apple can prevent one rotten fruit from ruining the rest.
Paul Jackson of NRC Business Waste, a company specialising in waste management and eco-friendly alternatives to landfill, emphasised the importance of storing apples in breathable conditions. He said: “The key to long-term apple storage begins with selecting the right fruit.
“The apple must be perfect – this 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.”
But it’s how you store these perfect apples that can make them last even longer, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Paul said: “To keep your apples in prime condition, pack them in a dry, aerated material. Options include sawdust, grains, heat-dried sand, or even newspaper.
“These materials help absorb excess moisture, which can lead to rot, while also providing a breathable environment that keeps apples from suffocating or becoming damp.
“To further protect your apples from premature spoilage, wrap them individually in newspaper.
“This hack prevents one bad apple from affecting the others, as the paper contains any ethylene gas released if an apple starts to go bad.
“By isolating each apple, you ensure that the others remain unaffected, which can significantly extend their freshness.”
Paul also offered advice on storing apples away from potatoes, he said: “Store the packed apples in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or 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 and ageing processes, extending their shelf life.”
