How to properly store apples in the refrigerator: rules for preserving the benefits of fruit

Apples are rich in vitamins and microelements. You want to savor their aroma and fill your body with health all year round. To achieve this, keep the fruit refrigerated. If stored improperly, the fruit loses its flavor. useful propertiesThis article will explain the different ways to store apples and how to do them correctly.

Can you store apples in the refrigerator?

The refrigerator can create favorable conditions for storing the product. This is a cost-effective and convenient method. The shelf life of apples will be affected by:

1. VarietyWinter fruits last longer.
2. Temperature and humidityOptimal storage conditions: +1…+5°C, relative air humidity 95%. At temperatures above +12°C, all varieties will become unusable.
3. Degree of maturityThe harvest for storage is collected when the apples first fall. Unripe fruits will keep for several months at optimal temperatures, while overripe fruits spoil within two weeks.

Storage temperature for apples

The variety affects the storage temperature:

• autumn species store well at 0 °C;
• winter varieties like temperatures of 0 °C and slightly higher;
• Summer varieties do not store for long.

You cannot set the temperature below the specified values, as the fruits will freeze and their taste will change.

How long can it be stored?

At room temperature (18…23 °C), the shelf life of fruits is determined by the variety:

• summer varieties last 2-4 weeks;
• autumn varieties - up to 2 months;
• winter varieties - 4-7 months.

Storage quality depends on the variety, size, storage conditions, and harvest time. Medium-sized winter varieties have a longer shelf life. The use of nitrogen fertilizers reduces pulp density and shelf life. High temperatures or excessive moisture during the ripening period negatively impact storage quality.

How to properly store apples in the refrigerator

No freezing

It is necessary to follow the rules for harvesting and the temperature regime in the refrigerator:

1. Apples are immediately placed in the refrigerator from the store, and within 24 hours after harvesting;
2. The fruits are collected in dry weather, without removing the stalks.
3. The best storage temperature is +1…+3 °C with air humidity of 85–90%;
4. Apples are stored in the vegetable compartment.

For long-term storage, heat treat the apples at 30°C for 3–4 days. This treatment removes ethylene from the apple pulp, improving storage quality.

Frozen

Freeze the fruit whole or in slices. They retain their nutritional value for up to nine months. Lower temperatures have a beneficial effect on the vitamins. To freeze, place ripe, undamaged fruit in the freezer. Prepare the following items in advance:

• sorted, washed, laid out on a towel to dry;
• tightly packed into bags or other containers in small portions;
• are removed for freezing.

Spoiled fruits are cleaned of rot, seeds, placed in a separate bag. Use immediately. Thawed fruit should not be re-frozen; it should be consumed in one go.

Sliced

How long do sliced ​​apples last? Unopened, they shouldn't be stored for more than 12 hours. To protect the pieces from oxidation, cover the container with plastic wrap. The slices can be stored this way for 24 hours.

Freeze sliced ​​fruits. To do this:

• wash and remove the core;
• crushed to the required size;
• spread out loosely in one layer on a dry wooden board or tray;
• freeze for 2–3 hours at a temperature of -20 °C;
• the slices are placed in bags;
• placed in the freezer.

Frozen pieces can be stored for up to a year.

Grated

The saving methods are as follows:

• Store the apple mixture in the refrigerator in a lidded container. The shelf life is 24 hours.
• To increase the shelf life to 5 days, add 2 teaspoons of juice and 4 tablespoons of sugar per 1 kg of mass.
• Freeze without additives.

Baked

The fruit is baked in the oven or microwave. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days. The cooled fruit is placed in containers and covered with a lid.

After two days the quality of the product deteriorates.

How to pack apples

Fruits are packaged as follows:

• pre-cool to protect against condensation;
• portions weighing 1–5 kg are wrapped in cling film or paper, holes are made in the film to allow air to enter;
• placed in plastic bags weighing from 1 to 3 kg;
• packed apples are placed in small boxes;
• The boxes are placed on the shelves of the refrigerator.

Do not mix varieties in one package.

Which varieties are best to choose?

Refrigeration has one drawback: the limited amount of fruit that can be stored. The shelf life depends on the processing method. Fruit can be stored whole, sliced, frozen, grated, or baked. Baked fruit is beneficial for chronic constipation, while fresh fruit is good for gastritis, colitis, and vitamin deficiency. It regulates blood pressure and is low in calories. Choose the processing method according to your preference.