What is the average shelf life of an apple? How long do apples last in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer? What is the best way to store apples to increase their shelf life? Find out the answers to these questions and more below:
Shelf Life of an Apple
| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 5-7 Days | 4-5 Weeks | 5 Months |
| Cut | 2 Hours | 3-4 Days | 5 Months |
Frozen apples have a mushier texture than fresh or refrigerated apples. Frozen apples are best used for baking.
How to Store Apples
When left on the counter or pantry, apples can stay fresh for about a week. Store apples in an open container or basket.
Apples last about a month when kept in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep refrigerated apples in a fruit drawer or crisper drawer. If your refrigerator does not have a fruit or crisper drawer, store apples in an open container or basket. Cover the container or basket with a damp paper towel to keep apples moist and fresh.
Apples kept in a freezer will last up to five months. To freeze whole apples, wash them thoroughly then place them inside a freezer on a cooking pan. Transfer apples to a freezer bag once they have sat in the freezer for 24 hours. To freeze apples that have been cut, create a solution of 1 teaspoon of ascorbic acid to 6 tablespoons of cold water. Coat slides apples with this solution to keep them from browning. Next, place sliced apples on a cooking pan and allow them to sit in the freezer for 24 hours. Finally, transfer them to a freezer bag. Allowing apples to freeze first will ensure that they will not stick together when taken out of the freezer.
How to Tell if an Apple is Bad or Spoiled
There are several ways to tell if an apple is bad or spoiled:
- Check for mold or holes on the outside of the apple.
- Smell the apple. Apples normally do not have a scent.
- Check the texture. If an apple is too soft or rock-hard, discard it.