Is it possible to preserve apples for the winter at home and how do they last?

Apples are grown in almost every region and are one of the most common fruits. Before harvesting, it's worth learning how to preserve harvested apples at home for the winter to prevent them from spoiling.

The key to long-term preservation of fruits is proper harvesting

To ensure they last all winter, apples should be picked before they're fully ripe. Only winter varieties, which have firmer flesh and are less sweet, are suitable for winter storage. Summer varieties won't last even a month after picking.

Is it necessary to separate by varieties?

It's essential to separate the entire harvest by variety. Winter hybrids can be stored all winter, but summer and autumn hybrids are best used or eaten as quickly as possible.

Which varieties are suitable for long-term storage?

Late apple varieties that can be stored all winter:

• Idared;
• Anise Scarlet;
• Antonovka;
• Golden Delicious;
• Darunak;
• Mac;
• Jonathan;
• Moscow Winter;
• Pepin Saffron;
• Red Delicious;
• Northern Sinap.

All these varieties can be stored until spring after harvest.

Apple varieties and storage conditions

Storage conditions for the harvest may vary depending on the fruit variety.

Summer varieties

Apples picked in summer don't keep for long; they're best eaten right away. To preserve them longer, keep them in the refrigerator.

Autumn

Autumn hybrids keep longer than summer ones, but not by much. The fruit should also be stored in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, you can refrigerate or freeze the apples.

Winter

Winter hybrids have the longest shelf life. If stored properly, they can remain whole until spring. It's best to keep the harvest in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight.

Preparing the fruit

The fruit does not require any treatment before storage. They are treated only with water. Apples should be thoroughly rinsed with tap water.

But to extend the shelf life, you can treat the peel with glycerin. This will keep the apples fresh longer. You can also mix a small amount of alcohol and propolis and rub the peel with the mixture.

We comply with storage conditions

The most important factor that will allow you to keep apples fresh as long as possible is storage conditions.

Temperature

The room temperature should be low, no higher than 5 degrees Celsius. The room should also be well ventilated. Stale air is the worst possible condition.

Humidity

Humidity shouldn't be too high. If the room is damp, the fruit will start to rot and mold.

Methods of harvest packaging

There are several ways to package your harvest to keep it fresh all winter.

In cling film

One way to keep your apples fresh over the winter is to wrap them in plastic wrap. To do this, line the bottom of a crate with several layers of plastic wrap, allowing the edges to hang over. Arrange the apples in a checkerboard pattern, stem ends facing up. Cover the crates with the overhanging ends of the wrap. It's recommended to pack no more than three layers of plastic wrap into each crate.

In plastic bags or vacuum packaging

You can also store apples in plastic bags. To do this, wash and dry the fruit, then place them in the bags. Poke a few holes in the bags to prevent mold. Store the bags in the refrigerator or cellar.

You can use airtight containers instead of plastic bags. These will keep fruit fresh even longer.

Pouring and layering

This method is used in industrial facilities. Boxes are filled with onion peels, dried leaves, or paper. Apples are then poured into the boxes and covered with the same material from the box. It is recommended to create no more than three layers of fruit.

We use paper for packaging

To preserve the harvest, you can use regular paper. In this case, wrap each fruit in paper or newspaper, stem side up, and place it in a box. The paper will absorb excess moisture, meaning the fruit will stay fresh longer.

Where to store the packaged harvest

To keep fruits fresh as long as possible, they should be placed in a cool room.

On the balcony and loggia

If your apartment has a balcony, especially one that's not insulated, you can store your harvest there. The temperature there is cool in the fall, so the fruit will keep for a long time.

In the hallway, on the windowsill

In an apartment, the harvest can be stored in the hallway or on a windowsill. The shelf life will be shorter, but if there's no other place, this will do. Apples are laid out in a single layer, and if any rotten ones appear, they are discarded to prevent the rot from spreading to the good ones.

In the basement

The best way to keep apples fresh is to store them in a cellar. The temperature there is comfortable, and the harvest will last a long time. Plus, a cellar can hold a lot of fruit.

In the refrigerator

If you have a small number of apples, you can store them in the refrigerator. They can last for several weeks.

In the freezer

Another way to keep apples fresh after picking is to freeze them. However, this method is only suitable for baking and other cooking. Once defrosted, apples are no longer tasty.

To prepare the apples, wash, core, and dice them. Then dry them. Afterward, place them in plastic bags, seal them tightly, and store them in the freezer.

It is better to place a small amount of apples in bags so that you don’t have to refreeze them if you have any left over.

Best before date

The shelf life of the fruit depends on the variety. Winter varieties can be stored for a long time, from autumn to spring. However, they also ripen very late, closer to frost, and ripen only after harvest. Summer varieties have a much shorter shelf life, literally a couple of weeks after harvest.

What to do if apples start to spoil prematurely

If fruit starts to rot, something needs to be done immediately. Don't keep good apples together with rotten ones; the entire harvest can quickly spoil. It's best to bake or make compote with the fruit.