Apples are one of the most popular fruits around the world. They make for a delicious and healthy snack by themselves, and they can also be used in countless recipes from apple pie to salads. With so many ways to enjoy apples, it’s important to know how to properly store them so they stay fresh and crisp for as long as possible.
What are apple crisp apples?
Apple crisp refers to a variety of apples that have a distinct crunchy and crisp texture. Some common apple crisp varieties include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, Pink Lady, and Jazz. These apples tend to be very juicy and flavorful when fresh, with a satisfying snap when you bite into them. Their texture makes them excellent choices for eating raw or for recipes where you want the apples to hold their shape, like apple crisps and pies.
What causes apples to lose their crispness?
Apples lose moisture over time after being picked, which causes them to lose their crisp texture. Apples also naturally produce ethylene gas as they ripen, which speeds up the breakdown of their cell structure. The enzymes and acids in the apples also continue acting on the fruit’s cell walls once picked, causing it to soften. Leaving apples in warm conditions speeds up these natural processes that cause the apples to lose their crispness.
Tips for keeping apple crisp apples fresh
Here are some tips for storing apple crisp apples to maintain that signature crunch:
Store in the refrigerator
Keeping apples in the refrigerator is the best way to slow down the natural processes that cause softening. The cold air helps limit moisture loss and slows down the apples’ production of ethylene gas. Place apples in a perforated plastic bag in the high humidity drawer of your fridge. The bag helps retain moisture but the perforations allow for air circulation.
Maintain optimal humidity
Apples last longest when stored in high humidity around 90-95%. The moisture in the air keeps them from shriveling up and losing their snap. A humid refrigerator crisper drawer helps achieve the ideal humidity level. You can also place a damp paper towel in the apples’ storage bag or container to raise humidity.
Control ethylene gas
Ethylene gas ripens fruit faster. Apples should be stored away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, peaches, and pears. These fruits accelerate the breakdown of apples’ crisp texture when stored together.
Handle gently
Dropping, bumping, or bruising apples can speed up moisture loss and cell breakdown. Gently place apples into storage without damaging their skins. Apples bruise easily, so use care when handling.
Store apples individually
When apples are piled together, the ethylene gas produced by one apple can speed up ripening in surrounding apples. Store crisp apples spread apart in a single layer, wrapped individually in paper towels or perforated plastic bags. This prevents them from “contaminating” each other with ethylene.
Maintain cool temperatures
Warm temperatures hasten an apple’s decline. Refrigerate apples at temperatures between 32-40 F to slow down ripening enzymes and moisture loss. The optimal temperature for crispest apples is 32 F. Store apples intended for long term storage in the coldest area of your refrigerator.
Allow apples to ripen fully
Picking apples before they reach full maturity on the tree means shorter storage life. Allow apples to fully ripen on the tree before harvesting for the longest lasting freshness in storage. Fully mature apples have higher moisture content and firmer cell structures than under-ripe apples.
Avoid storing early season apples
Certain apple varieties are better suited for long term storage. Early season apple varieties tend to have shorter shelf lives compared to late season varieties. Late season apples like Fuji, Granny Smith, and Braeburn last up to 8 months under proper storage conditions.
Store unwashed apples
Washing removes the natural waxy coating on apples that seals in moisture. Store fresh apples unrinsed. When ready to eat, rinse under cool water and pat dry before slicing. The small amount of bruising from dry wiping can speed up deterioration.
Watch out for signs of spoilage
Check apples frequently for any signs of rotting like mold, brown spots, or soft wet areas. These spoiled spots give off high levels of ethylene and can accelerate ripening. Remove and use any apples that show signs of spoiling before the ethylene affects surrounding apples.
How long do apple crisp apples last in the fridge?
Properly stored, apple crisp varieties like Honeycrisp and Fuji can maintain their signature crunch for 4-6 months when refrigerated. Granny Smith can even last 6-8 months due to their higher acidity and denser flesh. Refrigerate ripe apples promptly after purchasing for maximum freshness. Discard apples if they become translucent, wrinkled, bruised, or develop brown spots.
Can you freeze apple crisp apples?
Freezing is another long term storage method for apple crisp varieties. To freeze apples for crisp texture:
1. Wash, peel, and slice apples into wedges or slices. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Blanch sliced apples by boiling for 1 minute, then immersing in ice water to stop cooking.
3. Pat apples dry thoroughly with paper towels.
4. Place apple slices in single layer on tray and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
5. Transfer frozen apples to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
6. Seal and return to freezer. Frozen apples will last 8-10 months at 0°F.
7. To use frozen apples, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using in pies, crisps, or other recipes.
Tips for freezing apple crisp apples
- Choose fresh, mature apples free of bruises or soft spots to freeze.
- Prevent browning by dipping sliced apples in antioxidant-rich lemon juice.
- Blanching helps protect apple slices from losing too much texture.
- Allow apple slices to freeze completely before bagging to prevent clumping.
- Use frozen apples within 8-10 months for best flavor and texture.
Can you dry apple crisp apples?
Drying, or dehydrating, is a way to preserve apple crisp varieties for snacking and baking. Follow these tips for drying apples:
1. Core apples and slice into 1⁄4-inch rings. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
2. Arrange apple slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
3. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours, until slices are pliable and slightly brittle.
4. Check apples and flip halfway through drying.
5. Store completely dried apple rings in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
Tips for drying apple crisp apples
- Pretreat apples with lemon juice, honey, or syrup for flavor.
- A 135°F temperature prevents loss of nutrients and flavors.
- Rotate trays and stir apples for even drying.
- Dried apples last longest when cooled completely before storage.
- For plump rehydrated apples, soak in water before using in recipes.
How to tell if stored apples are still crisp
Follow these simple tips to test an apple’s crispness before eating or using in a recipe:
- Feel the outside of the apple. It should feel firm with no soft spots.
- Inspect the flesh. Cut apples should appear dense, juicy, and snappy.
- Listen when you bite into it. A crisp apple makes a loud cracking sound.
- Taste for juiciness and texture. It should crunch and release juice.
- Check the inside flesh. It should be cream colored; browning means the apple is rotting.
If your apple lacks its signature crunch, it’s time to use it in cooked recipes like applesauce or apple butter where texture isn’t as important.
Conclusion
Storing apple crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn at their crispy best requires controlling temperature, humidity, ethylene gas, and handling. Keep apples refrigerated at 32-40° F in high humidity. Store individual apples loosely wrapped to prevent bruising and cross-ripening. Allow apples to fully ripen on the tree before picking for longest lasting freshness. Follow these apple storage tips to enjoy months of sweet, crunchy apples.