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just saw this....


Avoid storing apples with other fruits/vegetables. The gases naturally released by other fruits/vegetables can make apples soften.
Placing apples in the refrigerator is great for short-term storage. But the refrigerator lacks humidity and can dry apples out. Place them in a perforated plastic bag (often what they are sold in). This will help trap some of the humidity.You can even add a damp paper towel over the bag for extra humidity.
For longer term storage, you can put them in a cardboard box and keep them in a cool, dark place (like a basement or pantry). Its nice to close the box so it limits the airflow, but it doesn't need to be airtight.
Avoid freezing the apples. Ideal storage is between 33-38 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity ranging between 80% and 90%.
Try not to store apples with any bruises or soft spots, this will shorten storage life and cause more fruit decay in the whole group. To help prevent bruises, handle apples carefully and wrap them individually in newspaper before putting them in a box for storage.

Thanks for the apple tips.

Martha

We used to store ours in layers of sawdust (not pressure treated) in baskets in our basement. You can also use some leaves...but there is one you shouldn't use & I can't remember if it was maple leaves or oak leaves...they do something to the apples.

We also stored carrots & turnips in layers of sand in baskets...in the same basement. Never had a problem with either. And potatoes were stored down there too, in just open containers.

Of course, many varieties of veggies are different now than the used to be...and some apples too.

Many years ago, I wrapped pears in paper, placed in a box, and put the box under the bed (no basement, no "root" cellar). Sigh...that doesn't work here. They were tossed out within the month.

In SE PA, a place called Linvilla Orchards. They used to have a fabulous huge octagonal building. At one time a barn, but later a huge open-air produce market. Unfortunately the historic building burned to the ground several years ago.

Remembered taking 2nd graders on a field trip during pumpkin season. Part of the tour included this massive, COLD room where apples were stored after picking... in the fall?!? Guide said the apples were stored at just a tounch over freezing, if I remember correctly, and could last close to a YEAR!?!

Small world, Chairlady! My friend's sister and husband own Linvilla!

Small world INDEED. I live not too far from Linvilla Orchards tho it's been years since I ventured there. Didn't know they had a fire either.

Love the apple tips tho I knew they shouldn't be stored with other fruits.