Should You Refrigerate Apples to Keep Them Fresh? Here's What the Experts Say

Whether you prefer Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Red Delicious, or heirloom varietals, there are many types of apples to choose from at the grocery store or farmers' market. No matter your favorite, the ideal apple will be crisp, juicy, sweet, and maybe a little tart, depending on the variety. But how long will it stay that way when you bring it home? We talked to two experts to find out how to keep apples fresh for as long as possible, including whether refrigerating them is the best way to store apples.

The Best Way to Store Apples

Like other pome fruits such as pears and quince, apples should generally be kept in a cool, dry, shaded place, says Wortz. But there are some variables: "The best place to store apples is going to depend on your own environmental conditions (such as how warm or humid it is in your home), for how long you want to store the apples, and where and how you store other vegetables," says Scheck. If you happen to have a low-temperature root cellar for example, apples can last up to 10 months in it.

Refrigerator vs. Countertop

Both the countertop and the refrigerator are good options for apple storage. It ultimately comes down to how long you want to store the apples for.

• If you want to extend the shelf life of your apples, Wortz and Scheck agree that the crisper drawer of your refrigerator is a great place to store them. "They can last six to eight weeks stored in a refrigerator," says Wortz. Scheck notes that if your room temperature is on the warm side, the refrigerator is ideal for storing apples for any amount of time.
• The countertop is an option for shorter storage; apples can last one to two weeks there.

Keep Apples Away From Other Fruits

Whether you store them in the refrigerator or on the counter, keep apples away from other fruits. "Apples release the gaseous hormone ethylene, which will cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen faster, especially if the apples themselves are bruised or overripe," says Scheck. "If you don't want to encourage ripening of other produce, store apples in a plastic tub or a bag in the fridge, or in their own produce drawer."

If they're on the counter, they can be stored in their own bowl, away from other fruits, or in a paper bag, she says.

Identify and Remove Too-Ripe Apples ASAP

"Be sure to remove blemishes or consume apples with bruises and blemishes quickly, as these will encourage the remaining apples to rot," says Scheck. Wortz agrees: "If you are storing many apples together, it is good to keep checking them as one bad apple will also ruin the others."

How Long Can Apples Last?

"Store-bought apples have already been stored and spent time in transit," says Wortz. "If they are kept in cold storage, they can be good for months from the date they are picked. Once you buy them, though, they will last one week out of the refrigerator and six to eight weeks in the refrigerator."

Cut Apples

Once apples are cut, Scheck says they should be put in the fridge as soon as possible. And to prevent browning, "wrap them tightly in plastic or beeswax wrap and consume within a few days," she says. She also suggests squeezing some lemon juice on them to inhibit discoloration.

Preventing Food Waste

Remember that bruised or blemished apples can still be used. Simply remove and discard the bruised or blemished parts, says Scheck. "Cook them down into an applesauce or compote that can be used later for a pie or turnover filling, or juice them and freeze the juice for another day. Just use them!"