How Long Do Apples Last in The Fridge

As the cliché says, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I already have the answer to the question do Apples have Caffeine and if we have the chance to use them in the place of our favorite morning coffee. But what if you took advantage of this great deal and bought far more apples than you’ll be able to eat in the following week or so? Do apples have a shelf life? And how long do apples last in the fridge?

Perhaps you received a good supply of organic apples from a friend or family member who operates a small orchard. Who could say no to something like that?

You’re ecstatic to have them in your life. However, you’re concerned that you won’t have the chance to consume or utilize them in baking or cooking before they spoil.

Now you’re looking for techniques to keep apples fresher for longer. And, because you’ve always just stored them on the counter, you’re thinking of refrigerating or perhaps freezing them if it makes sense. However, how long do apples last in the fridge?

I will answer all these questions. Just continue reading, and I am pretty sure that you will learn something new today.

So let`s get started.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. How Long Do Apples Last?
2. How Long Do Apples Last in The Fridge?
3. Best Way to Store Apples
4. How Do You Know If Apples Have Gone Bad?
5. Risks of Eating Expired Apples
6. Tips on How Long Do Apples Last in The Fridge
7. F.A.Q.

How Long Do Apples Last?

The length of time an apple lasts depends on when we have picked it, how we have been storing it since then, and whether it was washed, chopped, or cooked.

Before reaching grocery shops, many fruit wholesalers store apples in regulated conditions to keep them fresh for several months.

Apple bins, for example, are usually treated with a gas called 1-methyl cyclopropane (1-MCP). By suppressing the effects of ethylene, a colorless gas that drives the ripening process in produce, 1-MCP stops apples in storage from ripening. However, once we remove the apples from these conditions, ripening resumes.

Consumers are worried about how they should store apples at home. That includes the temperature where we keep them and whether they have been washed or cut. Fresh apples have a shelf life of around three months if stored correctly after their sell-by date.

The range is broad because we may buy, store, and prepare apples in several ways, each with its expiration date. It’s also difficult to say how long they had a shelf life at the store before they arrived at your house. They may have been stored in regulated cold storage for up to a year before arriving at the grocery store!

There is a wide range of flavors, from soft and sweet to crisp and acidic. Firmer types, like Granny Smith, keep their shape longer than more delicate kinds, such as Golden Delicious.

Of course, if apples are not stored properly, they will survive for a shorter amount of time. However, keep in mind that apples, like many other fresh fruits, do not usually carry a use-by date. Thus you must determine the expiry date of apples using the date purchased.

How Long Do Apples Last in The Fridge?

The most meaningful question for today is should apples be refrigerated? 

Honestly, I suggest you keep the apples in the fridge. Have you ever noticed the apples in supermarket freezers? There’s a valid reason behind this. It preserves their freshness for a longer time.

The New York Apple Association has a team of specialists who believe that refrigerators are the best location to keep apples. Apples, surprisingly, prefer chilly weather. 

According to studies, apples kept in the fridge might survive up to 10 times longer than that left at room temperature. Apples kept at ambient temperature degrade in about a week, but apples kept in the refrigerator can last up to two or three months. Apples thrive at temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The maximum humidity level should not exceed 90% to 95%.

As a result, your apples will be happiest in the bottom drawer of your refrigerator, which is usually the coolest. Some refrigerators even allow you to control the humidity in this drawer. If this is the case, raise it to the maximum level possible to provide the ideal environment for your apples. Place the apples in the refrigerator as soon as you get home from the grocery shop. Refrigeration isn’t usually essential if you plan on utilizing and eating the apples within the first week.

Best Way to Store Apples

So, now that you know that keeping apples in the refrigerator is the best way to store apples, you need to learn how to do this properly.

You shouldn’t just toss apples into the fridge and hope for the best. Although you can do it, there are a few tips and tricks that can help your apples stay as long as possible.

The following pointers and considerations can help your apples last much longer.

• Apples continue to ripen even after we have harvested them. This ripening increases at room temperature, and the apples begin to rot quickly. Look for apples that aren’t quite ripe for longer shelf life. The hardness of the apple will reveal this. The apple is probably not fully ripened if there are no mushy patches or waxiness.
• When touching apples, be gentle. Due to a quicker transfer of ethylene gas, if one apple in a bunch becomes damaged and begins to decay, it might cause the rest of the apples to rot. 
• Avoid eating perfumed foods. That can hasten the degradation of all of your fruits and vegetables, particularly ethylene-sensitive veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. According to the New York Apple Association, apples are more susceptible to absorbing aromas from specific cuisines. Stinky cheeses, for example, fit into this group.
• To guarantee a longer shelf life, choose apples with thicker skin and smaller diameters. Furthermore, sour apples last longer than sweet apples, so you should know this if you’re looking for a long-term apple.
• Avoid exposing your apples and other fruit to wetness. While humidity is beneficial, it might shorten the life of your apple.
• Only rinse an apple right before eating it. Also, remember to keep your apples refrigerated. We just wanted to bring it up again! Keep your apples in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to maintain a constant temperature when the door is opened and shut often.

How Do You Know If Apples Have Gone Bad?

When apples start to go rotten, you should notice that they look and feel different than usual. An apple that is about to rot will be softer than expected. You may observe that it’s grainy or that the skin has wrinkled. When spotting faulty apples, another significant symptom to check for is discoloration.

You must be aware of these warning signals that apples are about to spoil. Apples that are about to go rotten will bruise readily. If you see mold on the bottom of an apple, you’ll need to discard it. That isn’t something you can store, and it’s certainly not something you should consume.

Risks of Eating Expired Apples

Although eating apples that are beginning to rot isn’t necessarily unsafe, apples, like other fresh fruit, are susceptible to mold development.

Microorganisms generate mold. That may trigger allergic or respiratory problems in certain people. Certain microorganisms create mycotoxins, which are responsible for many foodborne illnesses.

Patulin, a mycotoxin produced by the Penicillium expansum species, causes damage to apples. When ingested in large amounts, patulin can induce nausea and bleeding ulcers, as well as raise your cancer risk.

Mycotoxins can also disrupt gut flora, compromising your immune system and increasing your chances of developing numerous illnesses.

Tips on How Long Do Apples Last in The Fridge

There are a few more things you can do to guarantee that your apples last as long as possible:

• Avoid exposing your fruit to wetness. Humidity is good, but actual moisture isn’t, so don’t rinse your apples until you’re ready to eat them.
• Practice social distancing with your apples. Experts also advise against keeping apples so that they are in direct contact with one another: “Those points of contact can spread mildew!” Wrap each apple with a sheet of newspaper before placing it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to avoid awkward closeness.
• Don’t bother freezing a damaged apple for an extended period.
• Keep children away from meals that have a strong aroma. Apples are likely to “absorb aromas” from other meals and can also “speed the ripening of some other vegetables and fruits,” according to the New York Apple Association.

F.A.Q.

Do apples need to be refrigerated?

The Fresh Apples from the market do not need refrigeration if they are eaten immediately after purchase. Their shelf life is around 2-4 weeks. And if they are put in a refrigerator, their life will increase up to 1-2 months.

Note that if they are refrigerated too soon, the apples will lose flavor and sweetness.

Why do apples last so long in the fridge?

The ripening of apples is due to ethylene. To a large extent, it is a harmless and colorless gas that is released from apples. If the apples are in the refrigerator, then the lower temperature helps to slow down this gas.

The interesting thing here is that if there are other fruits around the apples, they will ripen much faster.

Is it best to keep apples in fridge or on counter?

It depends on when the apples will be consumed. If their consumption will take several days, it is better to be left at room temperature. If their consumption takes longer, they should be refrigerated. In this way, the cold temperature will slow down their ripen and extend their life.

How long do apples last at room temperature?

At room temperature, the apples can last between 2-4 weeks. They age much faster at room temperature than in the refrigerator. This is due to the ethylene and the gas emitted from it. At lower temperatures, this process slows down, which lengthens apple life.

In Conclusion

It’s crucial to know how long apples can last. You want to get the most bang for your buck with your purchases. You should be able to utilize the above knowledge to extend the life of your apples. Remember that appropriate storage is paramount. After apples have gotten a little old, you should use a visual assessment to see whether they have gone rotten.

If you follow the directions carefully, you’ll be able to use up your apples before they rot. Apples are amazing on their own and may be used to make plenty of treats. These fruits may be used as a low-calorie snack to help you stay healthy. Do not be scared to buy apples because they are practical to utilize and last a long time.