How to Store Apples So They Stay Fresh for Weeks, According to Experts

With this expert advice you'll never have to let an apple go to waste.

Key Points

Store apples in a cool, dry place; the refrigerator is best for long-term storage, while the countertop is suitable for short-term storage.
Keep apples away from other fruits to prevent them from ripening too quickly due to ethylene gas released by apples.
Remove and use bruised apples quickly to prevent them from spoiling the rest.

Apples are a pantry staple that can be savored throughout the year, especially in the fall. To ensure they remain fresh and juicy, it's important to store them properly. Whether you prefer storing them in the refrigerator or on the countertop, understanding the right method can help maintain their quality. Experts provide insights into the best practices for keeping apples at their peak.

Ken Wortz, head distiller for Sauvage Distillery in Charlottesville, N.Y.
Laura Scheck, chef, educator, and founder of Teaching Table

How to Store Apples

Apples should be stored in a cool, dry, and shaded place, says Ken Wortz, the head distiller for Sauvage Distillery in Charlottesville, N.Y., which makes its signature vodka from New York State apples. 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)," says Laura Scheck, chef, educator, and the founder of Teaching Table.

The countertop and the refrigerator are both reliable, safe locations for apple storage. But depending on how long you want them fresh can vary by location.

Long-term: 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.
Short-term: The countertop is an option for shorter storage; apples can last one to two weeks there.

If your room temperature is on the warm side, says Scheck, the refrigerator is ideal for storing apples for any length of time.

Store Apples Away From Other Fruit

No matter where you choose to store them, they must be kept 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 the ripening of other produce, Schenck suggests storing your apples in a plastic tub or bag in the fridge; in their own produce drawer in the refrigerator; in a separate fruit bowl, away from other fruits; or in a paper bag on the countertop.

Remove Bruised Apples From the Bunch

It's no cliché that one bad apple will spoil the bunch. If you keep bruised or spoiled apples around it will cause the others to turn bad. "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."

Don't let bad apples go to waste. If they are only slightly damaged, they can still be used in certain recipes. 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."

How Long Do Apples Last?

Apples will last one week out of the refrigerator (like in your fruit bowl on the counter) and six to eight weeks in the refrigerator, according to Wortz.

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 the pieces to inhibit discoloration.

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