How to Store Apples in the Refrigerator

Keep your apples crisp by refrigerating them.

Apples ripen significantly more quickly at room temperature than when kept cool -- and therefore also go bad much sooner at room temperature than when you store them properly. Ideally, storing apples for more than several weeks involves keeping them at 30 to 32 degrees F for most varieties and at 90 to 95 percent relative humidity. This might not be practical in your home, however, so keep apples in the refrigerator instead. This cool environment can keep most varieties of apples fresh and crisp for four to six weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag(s)

Instructions

1. Sort through the apples and separate any that are bruised, soft or otherwise imperfect. Eat these apples immediately or use them in recipes such as apple sauce. Damaged apples can go bad quickly, even in the refrigerator, which will cause your other apples to begin rotting.

2. Place your apples into a plastic bag (or more than one bag, if necessary; do not force the apples to fit into one bag). The plastic will help keep humidity in the bag. Fold the bag over, but do not seal it or make it airtight.

3. Store your apples in the refrigerator for up to six weeks. Check the apples every week or so to ensure that they are not going bad. Remove any apples that begin to show signs of age or spoilage.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the apples when you remove them from the refrigerator rather than before refrigerating them.

• Keep the refrigerated apples away from strongly scented foods, such as garlic or onions. Apples can easily absorb these flavors and it will affect their taste.

References

• FareShare Recipe Exchange Group: Apple Information
• Iowa State University Extension: Harvesting and Storing Apples
• U.S. Apple Association: Apple Guide

Resources

• All About Apples: Varieties