If you’re aiming to extend the shelf life of your apples, consider storing them on their own. NRC Business Waste experts recommend wrapping each apple individually to prevent a single spoiled fruit from affecting the rest.
Paul Jackson of NRC Business Waste, a company dedicated to waste management and promoting eco-friendly alternatives to landfill disposal, emphasised the importance of proper storage conditions for apples. He said: “The key to long-term apple storage begins with selecting the right fruit.
“The apple must be perfect – this means no bruises, no cuts, and no insect damage. Additionally, the stem should remain intact, as a broken or missing stem can lead to faster spoilage.”
He pointed out that while freshly picked orchard apples are best due to the absence of chemical sprays that could interfere with ripening, the real trick to longevity lies in how they’re stored, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Paul said: “To keep your apples in prime condition, pack them in a dry, aerated material. Options include sawdust, grains, heat-dried sand, or even newspaper. These materials help absorb excess moisture, which can lead to rot, while also providing a breathable environment that keeps apples from suffocating or becoming damp.
“To further protect your apples from premature spoilage, wrap them individually in newspaper. This hack prevents one bad apple from affecting the others, as the paper contains any ethylene gas released if an apple starts to go bad.
“By isolating each apple, you ensure that the others remain unaffected, which can significantly extend their freshness.”
Paul also gave advice on storing apples and added: “Store the packed apples in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cellar. It is essential to keep them away from potatoes, as potatoes produce a gas called ethylene that accelerates the ripening process in apples, causing them to spoil faster.
“A cool environment will slow down the apples’ natural ripening and aging processes, extending their shelf life.”