How Are Apples Prolonged to Stay Fresh?

Refrigeration

• Apples that arrive at your grocery have gone through many processes to maintain their freshness. Initially after they have been harvested, apples are cleaned, boxed and refrigerated. This is done to stall the spoilage that occurs when the apple is removed from the nutrient-rich source of the tree. You can also slow spoilage at home. Refrigerate your apples for up to two weeks with no change in their appearance. The flavor of apples does diminish with extended refrigeration, so keep this is mind.

Waxing

• A thin layer of wax is applied to apples so that when you see them in the store they are esthetically pleasing. Beyond the consumer effect of promoting you to choose a waxed apple, the wax does prolong the life of the apple. It helps protect the apple from bruising and scratches. When an apple becomes bruised, oxidation speeds up, diminishes freshness and the life of the apple is effected.

Natural Additives

• It is never appetizing to serve browning or dried-out slices. When the fruit of the apple is cut open and exposed to the air, the enzyme polyphenol oxidase begins an immediate reaction that results in browning. To stall this reaction to keep the fruit fresher, you can brush the slices with lemon juice. This natural remedy has a low pH level and renders the polyphenal temporally inactive.

With Early Picking

• Another way to prolong your apples' freshness is to choose apples that are not fully ripe. An apple that is not fully ripe will be slightly smaller and harder to squeeze than a ripe apple. Your best source for these will be at a farmers market or local orchard, but you can choose the less ripe ones at the store as well. By picking these types of apples and allowing them to sit in a bowl without refrigeration, you are allowing them to slowly ripen until they are ready to be eaten at the optimal time.