Apples are one of the most popular fruits, known for their sweet, crisp taste and versatility. Many people enjoy apples year-round by storing them properly to maintain freshness. But how long can apples actually last unrefrigerated?
Quick Summary
Most apples will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks on the counter and 1-2 months in the fridge. The exact shelf life depends on the apple variety and storage conditions. Apples stored in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight and heat will last the longest.
How Long Do Apples Last at Room Temperature?
At room temperature of around 68°F, most apple varieties will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. Some tips for maximizing shelf life are:
- Store apples in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard away from heat and sunlight.
- Do not store apples near ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, peaches, and pears, as this will accelerate ripening.
- Check apples frequently and remove any that are spoiled or damaged to prevent spreading.
The exact shelf life depends on the type of apple:
| Apple Variety | Shelf Life at Room Temperature |
|---|---|
| Fuji | 2-3 weeks |
| Gala | 2-3 weeks |
| Golden Delicious | 1-2 weeks |
| Granny Smith | 2-3 weeks |
| Honeycrisp | 3-4 weeks |
| Red Delicious | 2-3 weeks |
As you can see, sturdier apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp tend to last a bit longer compared to more delicate varieties like Golden Delicious. But most apples will keep for 1-2 weeks on the kitchen counter.
Maximizing Shelf Life at Room Temperature
To get the maximum shelf life out of apples stored at room temperature:
- Buy firm, unbruised apples without any soft spots or damage.
- Store apples in a cool area between 60-70°F.
- Keep apples in a paper bag or fruit basket, not sealed in plastic.
- Place fruits in single layers, not piled on top of each other.
- Apples give off ethylene gas that accelerates ripening, so keep them away from other ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables.
- Check apples frequently and remove any that are spoiled.
With proper storage conditions, most fresh apples will maintain good eating quality for 1-3 weeks at room temperature.
How Long Do Apples Last Refrigerated?
Refrigerating apples slows down ripening and decay, extending the shelf life significantly. Most apples will last 1-2 months in the fridge with proper storage.
Tips for storing apples in the refrigerator include:
- Store apples in perforated plastic bags in the crisper drawer away from ethylene gas producing foods.
- Rinse apples and dry thoroughly before refrigerating.
- Arrange apples so they are not touching each other.
- Keep refrigerator temperature between 32-40°F.
- Inspect apples frequently and remove any damaged or rotting fruit.
The approximate refrigerator shelf life for common apple varieties is:
| Apple Variety | Refrigerator Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Fuji | 3-4 months |
| Gala | 2-3 months |
| Golden Delicious | 2-3 months |
| Granny Smith | 2-3 months |
| Honeycrisp | 3-4 months |
| Red Delicious | 2-3 months |
Again, crisp apples like Fuji and Honeycrisp tend to have the longest fridge life. But most apples will maintain good quality for 1-2 months when refrigerated.
Maximizing Refrigerator Shelf Life
Follow these tips to extend the refrigerator shelf life of apples:
- Buy fresh, firm apples without bruises or damage.
- Store apples in crisper drawer in air-tight bags with holes for ventilation.
- Keep refrigerator temperature between 32-40°F.
- Separate apples from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables.
- Wash and dry apples thoroughly before refrigerating.
- Organize apples so they are not touching each other.
- Check apples frequently and remove spoiled ones immediately.
Apples stored properly in the refrigerator can stay fresh for 1-2 months before noticeable changes in texture and flavor.
What Happens to Apples Over Time?
As apples sit unrefrigerated or refrigerated over the course of weeks, natural changes will occur:
- Softening texture – Apples lose moisture over time, causing the crisp snap to diminish.
- Wilting skin – The apple peel will start to look wrinkled and dried out.
- Browning flesh – Oxidation causes the white flesh under the skin to turn brown.
- Fermentation – Fruit sugars start converting to alcohol, producing off-flavors.
- Mold growth – Small fuzzy patches of mold can grow, starting a decaying process.
For the best flavor and texture, apples are best consumed within 2-4 weeks of purchasing either at room temperature or refrigerated. The signs above indicate an apple is past its prime.
Can Spoiled Apples Make You Sick?
It’s generally not dangerous to eat apples a few weeks past their prime. However, apples that are very old or rotten can potentially cause illness:
- Mold – Some molds that grow on rotten apples produce mycotoxins that can cause allergic reactions if large amounts are ingested.
- Bacteria – Harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli can grow on spoiled apples, causing foodborne illness.
- Fermented apples – The high alcohol content can cause vomiting, especially in pets and children.
To avoid getting sick, apples that are very old, mushy, or moldy should be discarded. Make sure to inspect apples and remove any that are damaged or spoiled in storage.
Signs an Apple Has Gone Bad
Look for these signs that indicate an apple is rotting and should be thrown out:
- Wrinkled, dried out skin
- Visible mold patches
- Brown or black rotting spots
- Very soft, mushy flesh
- Fermented smell
- Obvious bruises or injuries
An occasional small bruise or brown spot can be cut out, but apples with extensive damage are best discarded. When inspecting stored apples, scrutinize them closely to identify any signs of spoilage.
Storing Apple Slices and Juice
Once apples are cut or juiced, they will only last 1-2 days in the refrigerator before browning and spoiling. To extend the shelf life:
- Apple slices – Store in air-tight container with lemon juice, citric acid, or diluted vitamin C to prevent oxidation.
- Apple juice – Refrigerate juice for 5-7 days. Freeze for long-term storage up to 12 months.
Whole apples keep significantly longer than prepared apple products. Enjoy apple slices and juice within 2 days for peak freshness.
Freezing Apples
Apples can be frozen whole, sliced, or pureed for long-term storage:
- Wash, peel, and core apples before freezing.
- Pre-treat slices with antioxidant solution to prevent browning.
- Pack apples into air-tight freezer bags or containers, removing air.
- Freeze at 0°F or below for up to 10-12 months.
Frozen apples will soften when thawed. They are best used for baking, cooking, or making applesauce after freezing.
Drying Apples
Dehydrating or drying apples removes moisture to prevent spoilage. Dried apples can be stored for up to 1 year.
- The best apples for drying are tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, Jonagold, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp.
- Wash, peel, core, and slice apples thinly before drying.
- Pretreat apple slices in lemon juice, honey, or syrup to preserve color and flavor.
- Dry apples in a food dehydrator or oven at 115-140°F until no moisture remains.
- Condition dried apples for best texture and then store in airtight containers.
Dried apples are a handy way to preserve apples in a shelf-stable form for snacks, baking, salads, cereals, or trail mixes.
Canning Apples
Apples can also be canned in jars for shelf-stable storage at room temperature. Common ways to can apples include:
- Applesauce – Puree cooked apples with lemon juice in jars. Boil in a water bath canner for long term storage.
- Apple slices – Pack sliced apples in jars with water, sugar, and antioxidants. Follow proper canning methods.
- Spiced apple rings – Dehydrate and pack apple rings with sugar and spice mix into jars.
Properly canned apples can be kept at room temperature for 12-18 months. Always follow validated canning instructions for best food safety.
Pickling Apples
Apple slices can also be pickled for long term preservation:
- Use firm, tart apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gravenstein.
- Cut apples into rounds or spears and soak in brine or vinegar solution for 1-2 weeks.
- Flavor the brine with spices, herbs, sugar, onions, garlic, etc.
- Refrigerate pickled apples for up to 3 months.
Refrigerated pickled apples stay crunchy and flavorful to enjoy for several months, adding tangy flavor to salads, sandwiches, meat dishes, and cheese platters.
Storing Apples to Maintain Freshness
Here is a quick summary of how to store apples to extend shelf life and keep them fresh as long as possible:
- Countertop: 1-2 weeks when stored cool, dry, and in the dark.
- Refrigerator: 1-2 months in perforated bags in the crisper.
- Freezer: 10-12 months when frozen whole, sliced, or pureed.
- Dried: Up to 1 year when properly dehydrated.
- Canned: 12-18 months when following validated recipes.
- Pickled: 2-3 months refrigerated in brine.
Apples stored using proper methods to control temperature, humidity, light exposure, and ventilation can retain optimum eating quality and last a surprisingly long time.
FAQs
Why do apples brown so fast after cutting?
Browning happens due to oxidation when an apple’s flesh is exposed to air. The enzyme polyphenol oxidase in apples reacts with oxygen, causing the brown melanin pigment to form.
Should apples be stored in the fridge or on the counter?
For maximum shelf life, apples should be stored in the refrigerator in plastic bags with holes for air circulation. At room temperature, apples will only last 1-2 weeks before spoiling.
How do you keep cut apples from turning brown?
Dipping or spraying apple slices with lemon juice, citric acid, or vitamin C solutions will slow down browning by blocking oxidation. Refrigeration also helps slow the enzymatic reaction.
Can you eat apples that are a year old?
Apples stored at room temperature will likely rot within 2-3 months. Apples kept refrigerated or frozen can sometimes last up to 12 months with gradual texture and flavor loss over time. Old apples should be closely inspected before eating.
Do apples go bad in the fridge?
Yes, apples will eventually spoil in the refrigerator after 1-2 months. Signs of spoilage include shriveling, browning flesh, fermentation odors, sliminess, and mold growth. Old apples should be discarded.
Conclusion
With proper dry, cold storage, apples can retain fresh eating quality for 1-2 weeks on the counter or 1-2 months in the refrigerator. Freezing, dehydrating, and canning can extend unrefrigerated shelf life for up to 1 year. Keep apples refrigerated for maximum freshness and check frequently for signs of spoilage or decay during storage.
