The saying goes: An apple a day keeps the doctor away!.”
Indeed apples have immense health benefits, and the fresher they are, the more nutrients you get, and the juicier they taste.
This article will explain how long your apples can last in the fridge, how to store them, and more. Let’s get to it!
Table Of Contents
- 30-Second Summary
- How Long Do Apples Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Do Whole Apples Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Do Sliced Apples Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Do Cooked Apples Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Do Green Apples Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Do Honeycrisp Apples Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Do Caramel Apples Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Will Stewed Apples Last in the Fridge?
- Can I Store My Apples With Other Fruits?
- How Long Do Fresh Picked Apples Last in the Fridge?
- How to Tell If an Apple is Bad?
- What are the Risks of Eating Rotten Apple?
- The Correct Ways to Store Your Apples
30-Second Summary
- In the fridge, apples can last for 4 to 6 weeks when they are stored whole.
- Sliced or cut apples can last up to 3 to 5days in the fridge.
- Honeycrisp apples can last up to 7 months in the refrigerator, while green apples can last for about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Store your apples away from water; it’s best to dip them in lemon juice to keep apples fresh.
How Long Do Apples Last in the Fridge?
How Long Do Whole Apples Last in the Fridge?
If you store your apple whole, they will last for 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes they can last up to 2 months.
Store your apples in the drawers at the bottom of your fridge. Apart from that, keep them unwashed, wrap them up individually and whole in your fridge.
Remember that the fruit’s freshness depends on storage temperature and location.
It is essential to store your apples away from water, which can make it go bad. So, only wash your apples when you are ready to eat them.
How Long Do Sliced Apples Last in the Fridge?
Unlike whole apples, sliced apples can only last 3-5 days in the fridge. When you slice your apples, it reduces their longevity, as their flesh is exposed.
So, to stall the process of browning and oxidation, dip your sliced apples into lemon juice. The citric acid on their exposed flesh will keep them safe.
After that, please put them in airtight bags and put them in the refrigerator; this will make them last for about a week.
The same principle works for cut apples.
How Long Do Cooked Apples Last in the Fridge?
If your cooked apples are in the form of applesauce, they can last for 7 to 10 days when stored in the fridge.
If they are in the form of apple pie, they will last 3 to 5 days, especially if they are leftovers.
How Long Do Green Apples Last in the Fridge?
If your green apples are whole and appropriately stored in the fridge, they can last for about 4 to 6 weeks.
How Long Do Honeycrisp Apples Last in the Fridge?
Honeycrisp apples or honey crunch are amazing apples with long storage life.
When stored in the refrigerator, these apples can last up to 7 months while retaining their texture and flavor.
How Long Do Caramel Apples Last in the Fridge?
When stored under optimal conditions, your caramel apples [1] should last for about two weeks.
Since caramel apples are coated in caramel, you want to ensure you store them under cool conditions so that the caramel doesn’t melt off.
How Long Will Stewed Apples Last in the Fridge?
Stewed apples will last for about 5 days to 1 week in your fridge. When stored in your fridge, you can take out tiny portions to defrost but ensure you finish it ideally in 5 days.
Can I Store My Apples With Other Fruits?
No. You can’t store apples with other fruits because apples give off ethylene gas, which facilitates ripening. That means the fruits will rot faster than they usually would.
How Long Do Fresh Picked Apples Last in the Fridge?
Freshly picked apples can last for about 6 to 8weeks in the fridge.
Ensure you store them separately in cellophane bags or zip-lock bags away from moisture. If you don’t store your apples properly or store them for too long, they can go bad.
How can you tell if your apples are getting bad? Watch out for these signs.
How to Tell If an Apple is Bad?
Different apples have peculiar tastes and textures. Some are soft and sweet, others tangy and crispy. So any flavor or texture that deviates from the normal shows your apple is going bad.
If you notice your apple is discolored, bruised, or wrinkly, it’s going bad. If you also see an unusually soft and grainy interior, it is going bad.
If you notice molds or insect holes in your apple, you shouldn’t eat it. Throw it out!
Press your hand firmly on your apple; if it feels as hard as a rock instead of firm and supple, then throw it out. Apples like that are too old to eat.
You can also look out for signs like a:
- Mushy texture
- Bland and grainy taste
- Juice seeping out of its skin
Are there any risks to consuming apples that are going bad?
What are the Risks of Eating Rotten Apple?
Fresh apples give your body the necessary nutrients it needs to function correctly.
Bad apples, however, do just the opposite. Apples with molds can cause respiratory problems when ingested. They can also trigger allergic reactions.
Apples are known for producing a mycotoxin when they age, called patulin [2]. If patulin is consumed in large quantities, it can cause bleeding ulcers and increase cancer risk.
If My Sliced Apples Turn Brown, Does It Mean They Are Bad?
Not really. The moment you cut or slice your apples, they turn brown. This is because they are exposed to air. To reduce browning, dip or sprinkle lemon juice on them.
However, throw it out if you notice anything other than brownings, like softness or taste changes.
How Long Should Left Over Apples Stay?
If your apples are stewed or prepared in apple pie, the maximum time they should stay in your fridge is 7days. According to the FDA food code [3], after a maximum of 7days, all perishable foods prepared or opened should be thrown out.
The Correct Ways to Store Your Apples
The storage of apples can be done in two ways: in the fridge or at room temperature.
Suppose you plan to use your apples within a week; feel free to store them in your pantry. However, please keep your apples in a cool, dry place away from heat.
For the best result, keep your apples in a cold spot, as high temperatures fasten the rate of ripening.
Regarding storing them in the fridge, keep them away from water and store them individually in zip lock bags.
To conserve space in your fridge, you can try cooking your apples, like making them into an apple pie.
Final Words
The reason for storing apples or other fruits is to keep them fresh whenever you are ready to use them.
So, remember to store them correctly and for the appropriate period to get the best.