When autumn is in full swing, so is apple harvest time. But what to do with all the apples? After all, you can't eat or process them all at once.
Apples can generally be stored very well and therefore have a long shelf life. You only have to follow a few rules when it comes to storage. Depending on the variety, they will last until spring. However, one thing should be said in advance: not all apple varieties are suitable for long storage. In particular, the very early apple varieties such as Klarapfel, Alkmene and Gravensteiner are not suitable for long storage. They even have to be processed a few days after harvest.
How to store apples correctly
❶ Harvest apples:
In order for apples to keep for a long time later, you have to pay attention to a few things when harvesting:
➜ You should only ever harvest apples if they pass the "tipping test". That means: if the stalk easily detaches from the branch when you turn the apple by 90 degrees, then it is ready to be picked. The stalk should always remain on the apple.
➜ Harvest the storage apples only in dry weather, because the apples are sensitive to pressure when the humidity is high. If the sun is very strong, let the apples cool down before storing them.
➜ You should generally not squeeze the apples too much when harvesting. This way they will rot faster later.
❷ Examine apples:
Before storing, inspect the apples carefully, discarding those that are diseased, damaged, and those without a stem. If you can find drill holes in an apple, you should sort them out. The holes are from the codling moth, which burrows into the flesh, eats it and leaves its droppings. You must then dispose of such infested apples. Apples that have brown spots should also be discarded or eaten immediately. This is apple scab or pitting, which can also spread to other fruits. Incidentally, you can use fallen fruit and slightly infested apples to make applesauce.
❸ Store apples:
Now it's a matter of storing the apples correctly. This is best done in wooden crates, as this allows you to store the apples in a dry and cool place. But you can also store the apples in the modern way. namely inplastic bags. That's what big producers do. Simply put the apples in plastic bags (not too many on top of each other) that you have previously pierced with a few small holes. Close the connection well.
Unheated storage rooms or the cellar are ideal for storing apples. You need a storage temperature of 8 degrees.
❹ Check apples regularly:
Of course you also have to check the stored apples regularly. Finally, some apples can start to rot even after storage. Initially, you should check the apples once a week. Later, checking on them every two to three weeks is enough.
Important: Store apples separately from other types of fruit
You don't just want to store apples, but also other types of fruit? Then you should not store the apples together with the other fruit. Apples give off the ripening gas ethylene, which in turn causes the other types of fruit to ripen faster.