How to properly store apples at home

Proper storage of apples determines how long they will last and retain their flavor and nutritional value. There are several methods for storing fruit, depending on the variety and the gardener's capabilities. Basic rules and secrets for storing apples at home for the winter will help preserve their flavor until spring.

Varieties for long-term storage

The shelf life of a crop depends on the variety. For example, summer varieties don't keep for long because they have thin skins. Winter and autumn varieties, however, have thick skins. This allows them to last for a long time without damage or loss of marketability. Autumn varieties can last for two months without spoiling, while winter varieties can last up to seven months. However, with proper storage and certain methods, the shelf life of autumn varieties can be extended.

Popular varieties that are recommended for winter storage include:

1. Bogatyr. Storage life: up to 7 months. Ripens in September, and its flavor intensifies in January.
2. Antonovka. Can be stored for up to 3 months in wooden crates.
3. Renet Simirenko. A long-lasting variety, distinguished by its wine-sweet flavor and high yield.
4. Idared. A winter variety that can be stored until March. The flesh remains firm and the skin remains firm throughout the winter.
5. Renet Chernenko. When stored properly, this winter variety will keep for up to 7 months.
6. Lada. A winter variety that can withstand severe frosts. If the storage area is stable, the fruit will keep until spring.
7. Star. Shelf life: up to six months. The fruits are very juicy and have a sweet and sour taste.
8. Veteran. This variety can be stored all winter if kept at the right temperature. It is recommended to store it in ventilated wooden boxes.
9. Northern Sinal. Storage life: up to 6 months. Ripens in October. A distinctive feature of this variety is its oily skin.
10. Krasnoyarsk Sweet. This variety can be stored for up to 5 months, provided the fruit is selected with intact, firm skin. The flesh is juicy, and the skin is medium-thick.

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Apples are healthy in winter because they contain vitamins and minerals that help the body fight colds. The key is to harvest them on time and correctly. The harvest period is from September 20 to October 10. If you harvest them earlier, the fruit won't have time to ripen and absorb enough nutrients. Late harvesting will result in the apples losing their flavor and freshness.

Proper storage conditions

As soon as the fruit begins to fall from the tree in September, it's time to harvest it. This is done by hand to avoid damaging the fruit. Storing apples properly, following all the rules, is essential. It's important to sort through the apples and discard any damaged or spoiled ones. There shouldn't be any dark spots or small holes. This indicates a possible worm inside. Such fruit is best used for drying or compote.

To ensure fruit retains its marketable appearance, nutrients, and flavor, it's important to maintain optimal storage conditions. Apples are properly stored at the correct temperature and humidity.

Temperature and container

To preserve apples for the winter, use ordinary boxes and baskets. The containers can be made of cardboard, wood, plastic, or simply a wicker basket. It's important that the container is clean and has adequate air circulation. It's recommended to dry and disinfect the container before filling.

The temperature for storing apples in winter depends on the variety and storage conditions. For example, if it's a summer variety, they'll keep for up to a month at temperatures between 0°C and 8°C. Autumn apples are stored at the same temperature. Winter apples, however, are kept at 6°C.

Humidity and the right place

Choosing the right location for storing apples during the winter is also important. This could be a balcony, loggia, cellar, basement, shed, or pantry. The key is maintaining a certain temperature. If it's too hot or too cold, the fruit won't last long. To prevent apples from rotting, it's crucial to maintain the correct humidity level—85-95%. High humidity will cause the fruit to spoil quickly. The same applies to low humidity.

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Methods for storing fresh apples

There are various ways to properly store apples. It all depends on the gardener's capabilities. The main thing is to follow a few rules:

• Fruits should be placed in a container in a single layer, not in bulk;
• It is not recommended to store together with potatoes;
• It is better not to use straw bedding, as it gives off an unpleasant odor.

There are several places to store ripe fruits: in a box, on shelves, by pouring them over, or storing them in the ground.

Storage in a box

The container should be well-ventilated, with the bottom lined with paper or regular newspaper. The apples should be carefully arranged in a single layer, without mixing or spilling them. Before placing the fruit in the box, carefully inspect it. The containers should be stored in a basement, cellar, or on a balcony. It's important to periodically inspect the fruit to promptly remove any that have spoiled.

On the rack shelves

An apple corner can also be set up on shelves. In this case, a wooden structure is used on which the apples are laid out in a single layer. A shelf with pull-out shelves is considered convenient. It's important to ensure that the apples don't touch; this requires maintaining a distance between them. It's recommended to periodically rearrange the fruit and remove any damaged ones.

By pouring

Another method used is the layering or pouring method. Wood shavings, dried birch leaves, onion skins, or moss are used as layers. The main rule of this method is to avoid the fruits touching each other. Storing apples in sand is not recommended. When filling a container with filler, it must be positioned so that it envelops the fruit on all sides. To do this, first fill the bottom of the container with filler, then layer the apples, mixing them together, and then cover the top with the chosen filler.

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Storage in the ground

This method is used when storing apples over winter in a cellar, basement, or pantry. First, the selected harvest is placed in plastic bags. Then, a hole is dug in a pre-prepared box filled with soil and the filled bag is placed inside. To protect the apples from rodents, the fruit is placed between spruce branches.

Storage in an apartment

If you don't have a cellar or can't store apples in a basement, you can prepare a place in your apartment. A loggia, balcony, windowsill, or hallway floor are all suitable. Apples can be stored in several ways: wrapped in paper, in plastic bags, or in a thermal box.

By wrapping in paper

This method has proven effective. A regular cardboard, plastic, or wooden box is used. Each selected apple is carefully wrapped in paper, stem-side up. Regular printing paper, paper towels, or newspapers are suitable for wrapping. However, it's best to use the latter sparingly, as printing ink contains substances harmful to human health. The wrapped apples are placed in a container, up to seven layers deep. If the correct temperature is maintained (0-4°C), the fruit will last until spring.

In polyethylene

This type of packaging allows apples to retain their original flavor, juiciness, and sugar content. Apples can be placed individually or in groups. It's recommended to place up to 4 kg in a single bag. Poke several holes in each bag for ventilation. This will prevent the fruit from rotting. To protect the fruit from pests, use cotton wool soaked in vinegar. Place a small piece of cotton wool on top of the bag.

In a thermal box

You can make it yourself. To do this, you need to insulate the box with polystyrene foam, sawdust, or foam. Then, place the fruit inside this homemade insulated structure. This method will preserve the freshness and flavor of the fruit, and also protect it from freezing. For a more effective solution, you can use two boxes. Then, line one larger box with insulation material, and place the smaller box, previously lined with insulation, inside it. It's important to leave at least 15 cm between the boxes.

Rules for cellar storage

The best place to store apples for the winter is in a cellar or basement. It's easier to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity in such a room. But before storing the harvest in the cellar, it needs to be prepared. To do this, remove all debris, dry, and ventilate the room. If necessary, insulate it, remove any mold, whitewash the walls, and treat the corners with a disinfectant solution.

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When storing fruit, select apples of similar size. Larger fruits ripen faster and spoil sooner, potentially contaminating nearby apples.

Furthermore, during prolonged storage and ripening, the fruit releases ethylene. This is a special hormone that accelerates the development and growth of garden and vegetable crops. Therefore, storing apples in a cellar with potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables is not recommended, as they will sprout and rot faster.

Apples stored for a long time can absorb various odors. To avoid this, ensure they are well-covered and free of vegetables. Otherwise, the fruit will taste earthy and even putrid.

There are several ways to store your harvested produce in the cellar: in wooden boxes, cardboard boxes, plastic containers, or on shelves. For the latter, you can use plastic bags with a few holes punched in them for air circulation.

By carefully following all the rules and recommendations for storing apples over the winter, you can keep the tasty and juicy fruits until spring. There are specific methods for storing the harvested crop, which depend on the apple variety and the gardener's ability to choose a storage location. To preserve the harvest longer, it's important to follow three basic rules: choosing the right varieties, knowing how to pick apples from the tree, and sorting the fruit.