Apples are a common type of fruit that many people keep. The easiest way to get good quality apples is to buy packaged apples at the supermarket. However, choosing good apples takes a little effort. In this article, you can find out which apples are best suited for baking, how to check for freshness at the store, how to best pick them from the tree, and store them properly.
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Method 1 of 4: Checking the Quality of Apples
Step 1. Look for obvious signs of rot
If you see rotting, dark brown, or too soft stains, the apple is most likely rotten. A dull stain or color doesn't necessarily mean the apple has rotted. Stains are a natural part of growth, and are not the same as bruises or rot stains.
- If you see a stain, gently rub it to see if it's just dirt or if it's actually rotting. The bruise on the apple can be small and shallow. So, no problem because you can get rid of this part later.
- If the bruise on the apple looks large or flabby, the rot may be deeper and not just on the surface. Deep rotten apples like this one you should avoid.
Step 2. Look for nick marks
In addition to bruises, apples sometimes have small nicks or cuts due to the picking and transportation process. A cut like this makes the flesh of the fruit open and change color. Excessive nicks should also be avoided because many parts of the flesh are exposed and rotting.
Again, small nicks in some parts are not a problem. You just need to make sure the nicks aren't all over the place
Step 3. Check the color
In general, apples tend to be completely red or slightly orange when ripe. There are also green apples like Granny Smith and some local apples, or yellow apples like Golden Delicious apples. However, apples that are mostly green in color may not be ripe. Usually apples with a dominant red color are what you are looking for.
- Apples with the same overall color absorb a lot of sunlight, and tend to be tastier than apples that are dull in color.
- Apples don't always come in one color, but if an apple that should be half red is still green, it's not fully ripe, and isn't the best choice.
Step 4. Check the texture of the apple
Hold the apple with your finger and index finger. Press slowly. Don't press too hard so you don't bruise the fruit. If when pressed the apple does not feel mushy, it means the apple is still good. Press a few points to make sure the whole fruit is still firm.
Step 5. Smell the scent to detect unpleasant odors
By its aroma, it is often possible to tell if an apple is past its ripening period. Smell it, and if it smells bad, it's probably rotten. Apples that are still good smell good, while apples that have rotted have a bad smell.
Although not a definitive theory, the smell of a fruit is a strong indicator of its quality
Method 2 of 4: Finding Out the Available Options
Step 1. Decide how you will eat the apples
The type of apple you want to buy can be different depending on its purpose, for example, bake it or just eat it. If you want to bake a pie, but you choose apples that are not suitable for baking, the results will not be as good. By planning how to eat them, you will be able to decide which type of apple will suit you better.
- Fuji apples and red apples are best for lettuce because they don't turn brown easily.
- Jonamac, Spigold, and Cortland apples are recommended for making apple jam because they retain their flavor during the cooking process and are compatible with other spices used.
- To make applesauce use Jonagold, Cortland, and Yellow Delicious apples. If the skin is red, leave the applesauce pink.
Step 2. Consult the apple guide
Studying apple varieties will help you better understand how different types of apples are processed. This kind of guide is also very helpful for personal taste as some people like sweet apples, while others prefer sour apples. Some apples are also crunchier, while others are softer.
- Red apples, for example, are a classic snack, but they are not recommended for baking or using them in sauces. On the other hand, Golden Delicious apples are great for eating as well as making pies and baking.
- Apples with a sweet taste such as Ambrosia, Honeycrsip, Fuji, or Manalagi. Granny Smith, Jazz, Anna, and Rome Beauty apples are known to be more sour.
Step 3. Go to an apple orchard when it's in season
Buying apples at the store is easier and more convenient, but buying them directly from the plantation guarantees freshness. If you can get to an apple farm, it may be worth the effort to get fresh apples that don't last as long as the apples in the store.
Find out on the Internet if there is an apple orchard not far from where you live, and plan a visit there. This can be a fun activity for your family, not just out of necessity
Step 4. Try organic or locally grown apples
Apple farmers tend to use a lot of pesticides to repel pests. So, non-organic apples contain a lot of pesticides. Organic apples are pesticide free so they are healthier for you.
- Farmers' markets are a great way to get fresh apples. The apples also likely came from a smaller plantation, which could mean they were handled with more care.
- By buying local fruit, you are more likely to get fresh apples because they don't have to be imported from far away.
Method 3 of 4: Picking Apples from the Tree
Step 1. Pick apples that come off easily
If you pick directly from the tree, ripe apples tend to fall off more easily. Hold the apple, lift it slightly, then twist. If it comes off easily, chances are the apple is ripe. If it's hard to pick, the apple isn't ripe.
Step 2. Pick the apple that is on the outside of the tree
Apples that are on the outermost branches tend to ripen faster. When you pick apples, choose the outermost one. If you arrive at the end of the season, or the apples on the outside have been picked, then move on to the inside. This doesn't mean that all the apples on the inside aren't ripe, just that they ripen more slowly.
Step 3. Carefully put the apples into the basket
When picking apples, or buying them in a store, it's important not to drop the apples into the container you brought them in. Picking them and dropping them in the basket may be quicker, but they can bruise the apples and taste as bad as they should.
Method 4 of 4: Saving Apples
Step 1. Separate from other fruit
Apples emit ethylene gas. This gas makes other fruits ripen more quickly, so they tend to rot easily. Store apples in an open plastic bag. If you can, store it in the refrigerator away from other fruit.
You need to leave the bag open for the gas to evaporate. If the gas is trapped in a sealed bag, the apples will also rot faster
Step 2. Keep apples away from strong smelling foods
Apples can absorb the smell of other foods that are nearby. If possible, it is better to store apples in a separate refrigerator drawer. Or at least place it in the refrigerator as far away from strong smelling food as possible.
- To keep the apples fresh, store other foods in sealed containers so the aromas don't spread in the refrigerator and are absorbed by the apples. Onions are an example of a food that will transmit its odor to apples.
- Other foods that need to be stored in closed containers and away from apples are garlic, fish, and most types of pepper.
Step 3. Eat or process apples stored at room temperature for a week or two
It doesn't matter if you choose to store apples outside the refrigerator. However, apples stored at room temperature will rot more quickly. If stored in the refrigerator, apples can last for 6-8 weeks, while at room temperature apples will only last 1-2 weeks.
- If you buy apples that are not very ripe, you can store them outside the refrigerator for a few days and then transfer them to the refrigerator. These apples won't last as long as refrigerated apples all the time, but at least a little longer than those stored at room temperature.
- Apples stored outside also attract insects which is not usually the case when stored in the refrigerator.
