How to Keep Apples Fresh for Months

Apples are the unofficial start of fall. As the weather cools, crowds head to the orchard to pick the season’s first crisp, juicy apples. But wouldn’t it be nice to make those apples last just a bit longer?

Here, you'll find expert tips on how and where to store your apples for maximum freshness. That way, you can continue enjoying your fall favorites, like apple desserts, appetizers, and more, all through the winter.

The Best Apples for Long-Term Storage

Storing apples for the winter begins at the grocery store or market. While any apple variety can work for short-term storage, if you want to keep your apples fresh through the colder months, certain types will hold up better than others.

In general, tart apples with thicker skins are the best choice for long-term storage. Look for varieties like Granny Smith, McIntosh, Fuji, Rome, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Crispin, Gold Rush, Winesap, and Jonathan. Some of these apples even become sweeter and more flavorful as they age. While Golden Delicious apples are tasty, their thin skin and sweetness make them less ideal for storing.

While store-bought apples are convenient, they’ve often been in storage for some time before making it to the produce section. For the freshest apples and the best long-term storage potential, head to the orchard or farmers' market.

Handle apples with care, just like you would peaches or any other fruit prone to bruising. A single bad apple can spoil the bunch, so only select the freshest for long-term storage.

How to Store Apples

Unlike many fruits, apples thrive in the cold. The best temperature for storing apples is between 30 and 35°F, with about 90% humidity. This is why they should be kept in the crisper drawer of your fridge, away from other produce that may release gases that speed up ripening. Apples can last 6 to 8 weeks in the fridge.

That said, we know the crisper drawer in your fridge is valuable space. The good news is that apples can still last for months even in less-than-ideal conditions. If you're short on fridge space or have a large apple haul, here's how to make them last through the winter.

What You’ll Need:

• Apples
• Newspaper, paper bags, paper towels, or butcher paper
• Boxes, baskets, or crates
• A cool, dark space (like an unheated basement, garage, or closet)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

How to Store Sliced Apples

If you’ve already sliced your apple but can't finish it, don’t worry—you can still keep it fresh for a day or two. Just drizzle some lemon juice over the cut edges to prevent browning, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge.