When the chill of winter settles in, there’s no better way to stay cozy than enjoying a crisp, delicious apple. But what happens to those fresh-picked apples after the fall harvest? Many apple varieties are perfect for winter storage, allowing you to savor their sweet, tart flavor long after the leaves have fallen. Here are some of the apples we have found to store the best.
1.Fuji Apples: Sweet, Crisp, and Winter-Ready
Best for Winter Storage: Fuji apples are among the best apples for winter storage. With their dense, crunchy texture and natural sweetness, Fuji apples can last for several months when stored properly. Whether you enjoy them fresh, in a salad, or baked into a crisp, Fuji apples retain their quality and flavor longer than many other varieties. Their naturally high sugar content makes them ideal for winter baking, too!
Storage Tips: Store Fuji apples in a cool, dry place, or even in your fridge’s crisper drawer for maximum freshness. Make sure they are not stored near other fruits that produce ethylene gas, as this can cause them to ripen too quickly.
2. Evercrisp Apples: A Sweet Favorite for Winter
Best for Winter Storage: Evercrisp apples are well-loved for their sweet flavors and their super crisp texture. These apples are not only perfect for fall but also store exceptionally well through the winter months. Everccrisp apples maintain their texture and flavor for a long time, making them ideal for snacking throughout the winter.
Storage Tips: Evercrisp apples should be stored in a cool, dark, and humid environment—such as the refrigerator or a root cellar. For optimal freshness, check the apples regularly for any soft spots or bruising, as damaged apples can affect the others.
3. Granny Smith Apples: Tart and Long-Lasting
3. Granny Smith Apples: Tart and Long-LastingBest for Winter Storage: If you’re a fan of tart apples, Granny Smith is a winter apple variety you’ll want to stock up on. Known for their firm texture and bright green skin, Granny Smith apples are excellent for winter storage and can stay fresh for up to 6 months when stored correctly. These apples are perfect for pies, crisps, or even adding a zingy contrast to savory dishes.
Storage Tips: Granny Smith apples should be stored in a cool, slightly humid environment to keep them fresh longer. Avoid storing them in overly damp areas, as excess moisture can lead to mold or rot. A root cellar or fridge works best for this variety.
4. Jonagold Apples: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tart
Best for Winter Storage: Jonagold apples, a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples, are an excellent choice for long-term storage. They have a sweet-tart flavor with a honeyed finish, making them a versatile option for snacking, baking, and even making applesauce. W
hen stored in a cool place, Jonagold apples can last through the winter months without losing their texture or flavor.
Storage Tips: Like most winter apples, Jonagold apples prefer to be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. Make sure they are kept away from other fruits that release ethylene gas. A basement or refrigerator crisper drawer is an ideal storage location.
5. Ludacrisp Apples: Crisp, Balanced Flavor for Winter Enjoyment
Best for Winter Storage: Ludacrisp are a vibrant, medium-sized apple known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. With a crisp, firm texture and juicy, refreshing flavor, it’s ideal for snacking, baking, and making cider. Its bright red skin and white, crisp flesh hold up well in recipes, making it a versatile choice for pies, crisps, or fresh salads. Ludacrisp apples also store well, allowing you to enjoy their flavor well into the winter months.
Storage Tips: Ludacrisp apples have a good shelf life and can be stored in cool conditions, such as a refrigerator or root cellar, to enjoy them throughout the fall and winter months. They’ll stay crisp and fresh for several weeks when stored properly.
How to Store Apples for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is key to keeping your apples fresh and flavorful all winter long. Here are a few tips to help extend the shelf life of your favorite apple varieties:
- Temperature: Store apples in a cool, consistent temperature—ideally between 38–45°F. The colder, the better, but avoid freezing temperatures.
- Humidity: Apples need some humidity to stay crisp. A slightly moist environment, like a fridge crisper drawer, is ideal. A damp towel in a root cellar can also help maintain moisture.
- Separation: Keep apples separated from other fruits and vegetables. Many fruits emit ethylene gas, which can cause apples to ripen and spoil faster.
- Check Regularly: Inspect your stored apples once a week for any bruising, soft spots, or signs of spoilage, and remove affected apples to prevent them from affecting the others.
Enjoy Fresh Apples All Winter Long at Baugher’s Orchard
At Baugher’s Orchard, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality apples throughout the year. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp Fuji in January or baking a tart Granny Smith pie for the holidays, our apples are picked at the peak of freshness and stored to last. Visit us today to stock up on your favorite long-lasting apple varieties and enjoy the sweet taste of our orchard all winter long!