Apples can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The hardy varieties harvested in the late fall are the best apples for storing. These apples are thicker and, therefore, better suited for storage. You can find these varieties in most supermarkets. This article explains how to test them for freshness.
The first step in storing apples in the fridge is ensuring they are insulated. A cardboard box or crate lined with insulation will work just fine. If you do not have an airtight container, place the apples in a crisper drawer. They will remain fresh and flavorful if they are kept in this environment. Also, ensure the apples are not touching each other, which can cause soft spots.
How Long Do Apple Last in the Fridge
An apple’s shelf life is mostly influenced by when it was picked, how it was stored afterward, and whether it was washed, chopped, or cooked.
Before reaching grocery shops, many fruit wholesalers maintain apples in controlled environments where they stay fresh for several months. For instance, a gas called 1-methyl cyclopropane (1-MCP) is frequently used to treat apple bins.
By inhibiting the effects of ethylene, a colorless gas that promotes food ripening, 1-MCP usage stops apples in storage from ripening. However, ripening begins again once the apples are removed from these circumstances.
The way apples are stored at home, including the temperature at which they are kept and whether or not they have been cleaned or chopped, is what matters most to customers.
The approximate shelf life of apples, based on how they are handled and kept, is as follows:
5-7 days on the counter
Three weeks in the pantry
4-6 weeks in the refrigerator
3-5 days in the refrigerator after cutting; 8 months in the freezer
7–10 days in the refrigerator and two months in the freezer after making applesauce
Cooked: 3-5 days in the refrigerator, like apple pie.
How to Lengthen the Life of Apples in Storage?
It is possible to extend the shelf life of apples by following appropriate fruit storage practices at home.
To help keep your apples as fresh as possible, try the following:
Before washing your apples, please wait until you’re ready to prepare and consume them.
Keep your apples whole until you’re ready to consume them because oxygen exposure might speed up the process of oxidation and decay.
Because colder temperatures keep food fresher longer, store entire apples in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer rather than on the counter or in the pantry.
Sliced apples should be submerged in a solution containing one teaspoon (5 ml) of lemon juice and 1 cup (240 ml) of water to prevent browning due to natural oxidation.
To stop the transmission of ethylene gas, which can hasten the ripening of nearby apples, wrap each apple in plastic or a paper bag.
You can prolong the enjoyment of fresh apples by applying straightforward preparation and storing suggestions at home.
How Can I Tell if an Apple is Bad?
Bad apples will have softer flesh than usual and wrinkled or gritty skin. Browning and discoloration indicate that an apple is bad but don’t forget to look inside. Additionally, check sure the apple has a rotten or sour odor. It’s not pleasant to smell decaying apples. A fresh apple has smooth, vibrant skin that smells pleasantly fragrant. There won’t be any lumps, soft spots, or spots of varying colors. When you bite into them, they are both crunchy and juicy.
To prevent rotting, apples should be checked often. One bad apple can ruin a whole bunch of them, so if you’re not going to consume the whole batch at once, you should remove it from the group. Apples release ethylene gas, which has the effect of increasing both the ripening and rotting processes in other produce. Fruit should always be washed and dried before cooling.
Because breathing in mold spores can trigger allergic responses and respiratory problems, it is best to avoid sniffing the fruit. The fruit will also be unsafe for food due to the fragrance, which may even cause cancer! And apples with mold damage have additional issues.
Here are a few signs that an apple is starting to rot:
Bruising or soft patches
Dark blemishes and creases in the skin
A liquid seeps through its skin, has a mushy texture, and tastes bland or gritty.
Apples that are soft or otherwise exhibit other indications of aging should be discarded because moisture under the skin may indicate contamination.
What Occurs if an Apple is Eaten at Night?
Your circadian cycle might be disrupted if you eat before bed. According to studies, eating late at night increases your risk of being overweight and developing conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Apples may be a significant portion of your daily diet and are a fantastic source of fiber and nutrients. According to The Sun, some people advise against eating this fruit in the evening because it can make it difficult to fall asleep. Because it can aid digestion all day, eating an apple in the morning is the optimum time to do so.
Apple pectin increases bile production in your liver, which improves food digestion. Because of this, The Sun advises eating an apple before breakfast first thing in the morning.
What Are Apple’s Health Advantages?
Apple consumption has the following health advantages:
Encourages Heart Health
Vegetables and fruits are crucial parts of a diet that is heart-healthy. Plant foods, which are naturally high in potassium and low in sodium, aid in controlling blood pressure. The high fiber content of whole apples has been demonstrated to help lower cholesterol levels. Several anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce the risk of heart disease are also present in apples.
Controls Blood Sugar
Apples include fiber, which slows digestion and stops the blood sugar from rising quickly after eating. Aim for 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories, following general recommendations. For optimal health, a 2,000-calorie meal plan should contain at least 28 grams of fiber. Whole apples with the peel contain the highest levels of fiber (apple juice is devoid of fiber). One or two medium apples can help you meet your daily fiber requirement because they provide 4.8 grams of fiber each.
It Might Help Prevent Cancer
Quercetin, a strong natural antioxidant, is found in apples. Quercetin does not harm healthy cells, even though it kills abnormal cells. Quercetin causes apoptosis by interfering with several cell cycle stages in various malignancies (programmed cell death). It has been demonstrated that quercetin is helpful in the treatment of lung, breast, and prostate cancer. A diet high in fruits and vegetables contains quercetin and other potent antioxidants that can fight cancer.
Could Lessen Asthma Symptoms
Apples contain quercetin, which is good for people living with asthma. Studies show that quercetin reduces the severity of food allergies and respiratory problems by preventing inflammation.
Apples may be able to help you avoid symptoms when utilized as a component of a thorough asthma treatment plan.
Might Encourage Weight Loss
Apples are a satiating and nutrient-rich food that can aid in appetite control and reduce cravings. Numerous studies have shown that eating apples can help you lose weight. Choosing a fresh apple versus a manufactured snack is a great way to enhance your vitamin intake and enjoy the satiating properties of soluble fiber. You can eat a sizable piece of an apple without consuming too many calories since apples are dense in water.
Reference: Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits
What Consequences Result From Eating Too Many Apples?
If you eat apples in excess, these are some much worse consequences:
We all need fiber in our diets, but eating too much of it can cause digestive problems like bloating and constipation.
Since apples contain a lot of carbohydrates, they may give you more energy before or after an exercise. You may feel happier due to their contribution to releasing “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Sadly, apples frequently rank among the top fruits and vegetables on the Environmental Working Group’s annual “dirty dozen” list of produce containing the highest levels of pesticide residue.
Because apples are rich in nourishing carbs that provide our systems the energy they need to move, operate, and digest, many health professionals, including Stephanie Mansour, recommend them to their clients.
Mansour Since apples are acidic, consuming too many of them might harm your teeth more than some drinks. This can be prevented by using the back teeth to bite or by eating the item as a snack in addition to a meal. The FODMAP diets are frequently used by gastroenterologists to identify food sensitivities or allergies. Additionally, it can be utilized to reset our intestines following a particularly serious disease. Additionally, it is the preferred diet for those with severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
How do You Peel Apples?
Do the following to get ready for the three methods below:
Apple Peeling with a Knife
It is the most fundamental and widely used approach. For the best outcomes, a sharp paring knife is required. Of course, you must be careful not to cut your hand. Start by firmly grabbing the fruit in one hand and the knife in your dominant hand. Then carefully spin the fruit clockwise, starting at the top.
The peel comes off like a ribbon for people who have done it. However, peeling the fruit from top to bottom will be challenging if you are a novice.
After removing the fruit’s peel, you can use an apple core to remove the core.
It is the most basic and well-known method. The best results can only be obtained with a sharp paring knife. You must, of course, exercise extreme caution to prevent cutting your hand.
Start by firmly holding the knife in your dominant hand and the fruit in the other. Then, slowly spin the fruit clockwise, starting at the top. The peel comes off like a ribbon for people accustomed to it. However, it will be difficult to peel the apple smoothly from top to bottom if you are a newbie. After removing the fruit’s peel, you can use an apple core to remove the core.
Utilizing a Vegetable Peeler to Peel Apples
Pick the Y-shaped vegetable peeler, normally used to peel cucumbers and carrots, if you want to use one to remove the skin from your apples. Put the apple on the cutting board or firmly grasp it in one hand to start. Start at the top of the apple and use your paring tool to move steadily and firmly downward. This process is generally quicker than slicing the fruit’s peel with a knife. However, you might need to use a knife to core your apple and clean it up. The peels can then be thrown in the trash or blended into a smoothie.
Using a Power Drill to Peel Apples
Undoubtedly, using a power drill to remove fruit peel is the quickest technique. The last step is to skewer your fruit onto a flat drill bit and turn the machine on. Using a fast-spinning Y-shaped peeler, peel the skin off your apple. This activity should be performed on the sink to avoid skin splashing on the floor. This method works well for quickly processing lots of apples. Therefore, a power drill is a fantastic option if you want to stew or make applesauce out of many apples.
Conclusion
Apples keep best at 30 to 35 degrees F; ideally, you should store them in the crisper drawer in your fridge. You can also store them in a paper towel or plastic bag with holes. Sliced apples are best stored in an airtight container. Remember that apples turn brown once sliced, but there are ways to avoid browning.
Stored at room temperature, apples usually last between five and seven days. They will start to fade up and lose flavor and crispness. Refrigerated apples can keep for up to two months.