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 .