Stop apples from spoiling other fruits using expert's genius storage trick | Express.co.uk

An apple covered in bruises and cuts is often destined for the bin, seen as unworthy for the fruit bowl or a tasty salad.

So, how you store your apples is really important and can substantially improve its shelf life.

According to Paul Jackson, a spokesperson for UK-based waste management and recycling firm NRC Business Waste, one simple storage trick can extend the life of less-than-perfect apples, keeping them fresh and delicious for longer.

Jackson recommended a little-known hack involving dry, aerated materials.

"To keep your apples in prime condition, pack them in sawdust, grains, heat-dried sand, or even newspaper," he advised.

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These materials absorb excess moisture, preventing rot while creating a breathable environment for the fruit.

Jackson further suggested wrapping each apple individually in newspaper.

"This hack prevents one bad apple from spoiling the others, as the paper helps contain ethylene gas, a natural substance released by apples as they ripen."

By isolating the bad apples, the rest can stay fresh for longer.

As for the best place to store apples, Jackson advised against refrigeration.

"A cool, dry location like a pantry or cellar is ideal, but keep them away from potatoes.

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"Potatoes produce ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process of apples," he said.

Jackson also said starting with a careful selection of good apples can help to prolong it’s life.

He urged shoppers to examine apples closely before purchasing, watching out for bruises, cuts, and signs of insect damage.

"A missing or broken stem is another indicator that the apple may spoil more quickly," Jackson said.

Freshly picked apples, especially those straight from an orchard, have a longer shelf life compared to store-bought varieties, according to Jackson.

"Store-bought apples are often sprayed with chemicals to delay ripening, while apples from an orchard are free from these treatments," he said.