It tienes fruit trees You will be interested in knowing some Tips for preserving harvested apples pitted fruits such as apples or pears, as these can stay good for months if provided with the appropriate conditions.
One of the most important aspects to take into account is the time of harvest. The apples They should be harvested during the dry season, once the rainy season has passed. To know if they're ready, check that you can remove the apples from the tree with a simple rotation of your hand. It's crucial handle the fruit carefully, avoiding impacts, since apples that receive impacts decompose more quickly and can infect other nearby apples.
For this reason, it is recommended to keep those that are perfectly healthy separate from those with minor damage. damaged fruits They should be consumed first to avoid spoilage. To store apples, the ideal storage option is a cool place with temperatures between 1 and 7 degrees Celsius, relative humidity of 85 to 90%, and good ventilation.
A viable option is to use a cold place such as a basement or garage, and you can also consider using a cooler. Another alternative is to store small quantities of apples in plastic bags, but it's essential that these have holes to allow air circulation. Also, avoid letting the apples come into contact with other fruits or vegetables, as this could alter their flavor.
Keep in mind that the shelf life It will depend on the variety of apple you have. If you have apples that won't keep for long, it's best to consume them quickly or turn them into compotes, juices, jellies, pies, etc.
Apple Harvest
Harvesting is a critical step in the preservation process. If apples are picked too early, they may be too small and deep green, affecting their quality. If they are picked too late, they become soft and delicate. That's why it's so important to find the right balance and harvest them at the right time.
The Characteristics of the Best Varieties for Preserving
Some apple varieties are more resistant and long-lasting than others. If you have the option, look for those with a higher acidity and thicker skin, as they tend to keep better. apples such as Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala and Honeycrisp are excellent choices due to their hardiness. On the other hand, varieties such as pippin They tend to spoil more quickly.
How to Store Apples Efficiently
At home, you can preserve apples in the short and medium term in several ways:
- Refrigeration: Use the refrigerator to prolong their freshness. Apples can be kept in good condition at constant temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius.
- Add Humidity: It's important to maintain adequate humidity where you store your apples. You can spray them occasionally with water or place a damp cloth next to them.
- Fruit Separation: Do not store apples with other fruits or vegetables to prevent them from altering their flavor.
- Paper Use: Wrapping apples in newspaper can help protect them from insects and prevent one damaged fruit from affecting others.
Also, apples are fruits climacteric, which means they continue to ripen after being harvested. Therefore, it's essential to store them in conditions that minimize ripening, such as a relatively cool and dry environment.
Controlled Atmosphere Storage
In the industrial setting, apples are stored under controlled conditions that reduce the effects of respiration, thus increasing their shelf life. Under controlled conditions, controlled atmosphere, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are regulated to ensure the apples maintain their freshness.
This type of storage can allow apples to be preserved for 9 to 12 months, which is significantly longer than conventional storage. Apples stored under these conditions can stay fresh and crisp for months, making this fruit possible to enjoy year-round.
Other Considerations for Storing Apples
It's essential to carefully select the apples you'll be storing. Fruits with firmer skin and flesh will keep better than those with softer, juicier skin. When choosing apples, make sure they have intact stems and no marks or holes. This attention to detail will minimize the risk of fungal attack and other storage-related problems.
When storing apples, it is advisable to leave space between them to allow for air circulation. Also, choose a cool, dry, and dark place to store them, avoiding temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius, which can shorten their shelf life to just 2 or 3 months.
If you notice that there is fallen apples on the ground around apple trees, it's an indication that the fruit has ripened and should be harvested. Harvesting should be done carefully, avoiding bruising the apples, as this could damage them and affect the storage of the other apples.
Alternative Transformations of Apples
If you have a large quantity of apples that you won't be able to consume in time, there are several ways to transform them. You can make compotes, jellies, sweets, or even use them in baked goods, such as cakes or biscuits. They are also ideal for making Juices or crispy chips.
If you're feeling creative, try combinations of apples with autumn spices like cinnamon or ginger, or add them to savory dishes like game or mushrooms. This fruit's versatility allows you to experiment and enjoy it in a variety of ways.
Additional Tips for Storing Apples
In addition to the techniques already mentioned, consider these practical tips:
- Use of Boxes or Baskets: Choose boxes or baskets that allow air circulation, never opt for airtight containers.
- Regular Checkup: Check stored apples periodically to remove any that are beginning to deteriorate.
- Respect for Space: Keep enough space between apples to prevent one spoiled fruit from affecting the others.
With these, you can enjoy delicious apples for much longer, without losing their freshness or flavor.
