How to Store Apples So They Don’t Get Mushy

The difference between a crisp apple and a mushy apple is drastic. The problem is that improper storage will give you the latter much quicker than you imagine. Stored in less-than-ideal fashion, that Honeycrisp will become a “honeysoft” in less than a week. But if you store your apples as indicated below, you’ll preserve them for a month or more.

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Don’t Store Them on the Counter

Some produce is better left at room temperature — but apples are not part of that select group. Not only will apples stored in a bowl on your countertop become unpalatable relatively quickly — within five to seven days — but they’ll also lose nutritional value. This is especially problematic if you buy apples in bulk or visit an orchard for apple picking. You’ll need to bake a lot of pies or serve a plate of apples for dinner if you leave them all out.

Worse, if you store apples near other produce — lemons and limes, for example — the ethylene the apples produce will also cause those items to overripen faster. 

The Right Spot in the Fridge

A far better idea is to store your apples in your refrigerator. But don’t just toss them on the shelf next to the milk and Tupperware leftovers; place your apples in the crisper bin, where they can last for — wait for it — up to 10 times as long as they would on your counter. You should crank up the humidity to the max using the toggle bar above the drawer. Push that baby to maximum humidity for the most extended shelf or bin life. 

Don’t Overcrowd When Storing

As we mentioned in the previous section, remain aware of what’s around your mound of apples. Ensure no other produce is butting up against your Granny Smiths, or you may speed up the deterioration of more healthful ingredients.

If you notice one of your apples is bruised, you should enjoy it quickly because storing it alongside pristine apples can make them spoil faster. The same goes for any apple showing signs of rotting. The saying “One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel” is more than a euphemism; it’s a fact. Further, you should try to store your apples in a single layer, not stacked on top of each other. This can also prevent bad apples from spoiling the bunch.

Other Ways to Keep Apples Crisp

Now you know apples are best stored in the fridge, but there’s other advice worth following. First, don’t wash apples until you’re ready to eat them. When you wash an apple, water will get beneath its skin, expediting its demise. 

Another way to extend the life of your delicious bounty of apples is to purchase a pack of produce bags. These handy bags absorb some of the ethylene apples emit to slow aging. Keep It Fresh Bags are a good option, as you can purchase a 30-pack for just $10.99. Blue Apple produce saver is also a great reusable option. Both these products can be used on other produce, as well.

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