Apples are one of the most beloved fruits, with thousands of cultivars to choose from Enjoying fresh apples year-round is possible with proper storage techniques. Storing apples in cardboard boxes is an easy, affordable method for keeping apples crisp and delicious for months past harvest
Why Cardboard Boxes Work for Apple Storage
For storing apples at home, cardboard boxes are the best choice. Here’s why they are effective:
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Affordable and accessible: Cardboard boxes are inexpensive and widely available, making them a practical storage solution. New boxes can be used each year to prevent cross-contamination.
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Protection The cardboard helps cushion apples and prevent bruising during storage. Boxes are sturdy enough to stack while supporting the weight of apples
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Airflow: Cardboard allows for airflow while still providing some insulation. Proper airflow reduces condensation and mold growth.
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Light barrier: Cardboard blocks light, which slows the ripening process and deterioration. Dark storage is ideal.
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Disposable: Since cardboard boxes can’t be reused, there are no health concerns that come with using them more than once.
Step-By-Step Guide to Storing Apples in Cardboard Boxes
Follow these steps for properly storing fresh apples in cardboard boxes:
1. Select Appropriate Cardboard Boxes
Pick strong, clean boxes that don’t have any smells or chemical residues that could hurt the apples:
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Optimal box size depends on quantity of apples. Allow 1-2 inches around apples for air circulation.
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Avoid used boxes that stored other produce, meats, etc. Odors absorb into cardboard.
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Boxes labeled as food-grade and sanitized are best.
2. Carefully Sort and Inspect Apples
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Handle gently to prevent new bruises. Even minor bruises accelerate spoilage.
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Discard any apples with cuts, punctures, rot spots or soft areas. Damaged apples release ethylene gas that ripens others faster.
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Separate long-term storage apples from short-term varieties, if desired. Different lifespans.
3. Line Boxes
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Line bottom of boxes with 2-3 layers of shredded paper, newspaper, or straw to absorb moisture.
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Paper towels or unprinted tissue paper also works well. Avoid colored inks.
4. Arrange and Pack Apples
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Place apples stem-side up in single layer, leaving 1-2 inches between apples for airflow.
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Gently stack additional layers if box allows, again leaving space around apples.
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Don’t overload box, as too much weight causes bruising. Heavier varieties like Granny Smith on bottom, lighter like Honeycrisp on top.
5. Create Protective Barrier
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Cover tops of boxes with breathable material like cheesecloth, linen towel, or burlap sack. This protects from light while allowing airflow.
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Alternatively, boxes can be placed open-side down in a dark location. Just monitor humidity.
6. Control Storage Conditions
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Ideal temperature is 32°F – 40°F with humidity around 90%. Basements, cellars, and garages often provide suitable ambient conditions.
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Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor conditions. Make adjustments as needed.
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Avoid freezing temperatures and direct sun exposure.
7. Check Apples Frequently
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Inspect apples every 1-2 weeks, removing any with soft spots or signs of rotting.
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Wipe down boxes to keep storage area clean. This prevents mold growth.
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Consistent monitoring preserves freshness and prevents spoilage from spreading.
Storing Different Apple Varieties
Not all apple varieties store equally well. Some tips:
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Separate long-term storage apples (like Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp) from short-term varieties (like McIntosh, Gala, Red Delicious).
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Wrap each apple individually in tissue paper to prevent cross-contamination as they age at different rates.
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Allow freshly harvested apples 1-2 weeks of curing time before long-term storage for best results.
Troubleshooting Common Apple Storage Problems
Even with ideal storage, apples can sometimes develop issues. Here are some common problems and causes:
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Rotting – Caused by ethylene buildup and contact with damaged apples. Improve air circulation and discard bad apples immediately.
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Shriveling – Due to dehydration from low humidity. Increase humidity in storage area.
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Browning – Results from chilling injury if stored below optimal temperatures. Raise temps slightly.
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Soft Spots – Indicates water core disorder from temperature fluctuations during growth. Use these apples first.
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Fermentation Odors – Caused by yeasts on skin. Wipe with vinegar-water solution before storing.
Storing Apples in Cardboard Boxes is Easy and Effective
With proper handling and the right storage conditions, apples can retain peak flavor and crunch for months when kept in cardboard boxes. The keys are picking high-quality fruit, preventing bruises, controlling temperature and humidity, and monitoring apples frequently. Follow these guidelines for enjoying fresh apples throughout the winter!
How to Store Apples Without a Root Cellar
The easiest way to store apples that we’ve found to work best is to wrap each one in newspaper and put them in shallow boxes together so they don’t touch. This helps prevent any one apple from spoiling the bunch.
I dream of one day having one of these orchard racks from Gardeners Supply, but for now, we’re using plain old cardboard boxes. (Update: We built our own apple storage rack!).
That first year, I figured the apples would last a few months—maybe long enough for a Christmas pie. But by the time Christmas rolled around, they were just as crisp and fresh as when we packed them away. We made our pie and decided to leave the rest just to see what happened. By the next Christmas—14 months later—they were finally starting to break down, but still good enough for a second pie.
Storing Apples in Newspaper.
FAQ
What is the best container to store apples in?
The ideal containers for your apples are crates, slatted shelves, polystyrene or papier-mâché trays or shallow wooden boxes. Ideally, these will allow air to move through the sides and top. You can buy wooden storage racks – the posher ones even have drawers.
What is the best way of storing apples?
Store your apples in a cold and humid spot such as an unheated basement, cellar, unheated garage or even a cool room with the radiator turned off. Sep 14, 2023.
How to store apples to make them last the longest?
Keep them cold by placing them loose in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator — not inside a plastic bag — or in a cool part of your basement. Do not freeze them. Store apples by themselves, away from aromatic vegetables like onions and fruits such as bananas or avocados that accelerate ripening. Nov 14, 2024.