In autumn the apples ripen and usually in large quantities. It is then not possible to eat or use them all at once, even if it is just one apple tree in the garden. The article explains how to store apples correctly for a longer period of time.
To the point
- A dark room such as a basement, attic or garage is ideal
- Store fruits next to each other without touching them
- low temperature
- high humidity
- adequate ventilation in the room
Table of contents
- Suitable apple varieties
- Ideal storage locations
- Suitable picking time
- Pick apples carefully
- To store
- Further tips for ideal storage
- frequently asked Questions
Suitable apple varieties
There are Apple varieties, which can be stored particularly well and for a long time, while others can only be stored for a few weeks. Varieties that are well suited for storage include:
- Baerburn
- Berlepsch
- Boskoop
- Elstar
- Gala
- Idared
- Jonagold
- Pinova
- Rubinette
- Topaz
Our note: Summer varieties, which can be harvested earlier, such as Gravensteiner or clear apple, are not so suitable for storage.
Ideal storage locations
If you are looking for the ideal storage space, then above all it needs to be cool and dark. The ideal temperature here is 4° Celsius. Boiler rooms are definitely not suitable for storing apples. In addition, the room should have good ventilation, as there should also be high humidity in rooms that are too dry with an electric humidifier can be achieved:
- cool basement
- garage
- Shed
- Set up an earth cellar in the garden
- unheated garden house
- darkened greenhouse
A notice: Even if the apples have to be stored in a cool place, they should be protected from frost in winter. If it is not guaranteed that the chosen storage room will remain frost-free, the fruit must be additionally covered.
Suitable picking time
In which Picking time Of the different types of apples, a distinction must be made between when they are ready to eat and when they are ready to be picked. This is how the summer apples ripen on the tree and can then be eaten straight away. The late apple varieties that are suitable for storage are picked when they are ready to be picked and then usually have to be stored for a few weeks before they are ready to eat:
- between mid-September and early October
- Ripeness can be recognized by brown seeds
- Apple can be easily removed from the branch when twisted
- Choose a mild and dry day
Pick apples carefully
Fruit that is still healthy on the tree can be damaged during harvest and then no longer be suitable for storage. Therefore, you should pick each apple individually and carefully place it in the harvest container. If the fruits get bruises during harvest, they can no longer be stored as this can lead to rot. You should also be careful not to stack too many apples in one container, as this will put too much pressure on the bottom layer.
To store
After picking the apples, you need to sort them out before storing them. Make sure that the fruits are healthy and without bruises. You should also pay attention to possible puncture marks from insects. Storage is then carried out as follows:
- Store ideally on wooden boards
- cover with newspaper
- Always layer apples next to each other
- with the stem downwards
- make sure there is enough distance
- Use corrugated cardboard for a second layer
A notice: If the apples are stored correctly, you will have some of their fruit throughout the winter. Storage of suitable apple varieties is possible for up to six months or even longer if the ideal conditions are met.
Further tips for ideal storage
So that your apples last in the storage room throughout the winter and also in January and If they are still edible in February, you should not just put the fruits away and then here forget. You should always keep an eye on the apples throughout the entire storage period so that you can act quickly if necessary:
- Always store separately according to type
- Shelf life varies considerably
- Write down the storage period on each box or shelf
- Also note the ripening time during storage
- also differs from variety to variety
- When picking, ideally collect directly into the apple crates
- Initially check the bearings once a week
- Always remove rotting fruit immediately
- Protect against mice with wire nets
Our tip: If you use the apple crates or apple racks available from specialist retailers, you can store the fruit particularly conveniently and also stack them high up in the crates.
frequently asked Questions
Summer varieties, as mentioned, cannot be stored for a long time. You should only pick these apples for direct consumption or purchase them commercially. If the harvest is larger, you can store the apples, which are mainly harvested in late summer, in the refrigerator for a few days. As soon as they have dark spots, you have to use the rest or dispose of them altogether.
If you don't have any other suitable space for your autumn apples, they can also be stored in the refrigerator. Even when stored this way, the fruits remain edible and edible for up to three months. However, the refrigerator is usually not big enough for a lot of fruit. And you shouldn't put other vegetables and fruits in the fridge with the apples.
It is not recommended potatoes and apples to be stored together in one room. Because the apples emit ethylene. This is a ripening gas that also spreads to other fruits and vegetables. If the potatoes are in the same room or even in close proximity to the apples, they will be stimulated to ripen. Potatoes usually sprout due to the gas and are then no longer usable for further storage.
Earth cellars, for example, are created with a dry stone wall and plants. If you want it to be easier, you can also get a wooden kit from a well-stocked specialist retailer or online. Ideally, these cellars are built on a slope as this makes entry easier. The advantage is that it is always pleasantly cool here and these cellars are ideal for storing various types of vegetables and fruit.
