The Absolute Best Way To Keep Apples Fresh

From strawberries to pineapples, mangos to peaches, there are so many colorful and delicious fruits that pack the produce section. Yet, few are more beloved than the humble apple. Bested only by bananas and grapes, apples are the third most widely consumed fruit around the world, according to the International Trade Centre. Whether you prefer something sweet like the bright red Gala or something more tangy like the Granny Smith, there's a popular apple variety out there to suit every taste bud (via HGTV).

Not to mention, there are so many tasty ingredients that complement this versatile fruit. From plain yogurt and honey to oatmeal and sharp cheddar, this simple fruit spawns infinite irresistible snack and dessert opportunities (via EatingWell). An added bonus? Apples are only about 80 calories a pop, according to Readers Digest.

Crunchy, sweet, and satisfying — there are so many things to love about apples. But once these firm fruits are past their prime, they immediately become a lot less appetizing. Thankfully, there are ways to help apples keep their fresh-from-the-tree taste — and it all comes down to how you store them.

Few things compare to the crunch and burst of flavor that comes from biting into a crisp apple. We can all agree that biting into a mealy apple pales in comparison. According to Susan Brown, a professor at Cornell University who specializes in apple breeding, how you store your apples can significantly impact how your apples taste. "If consumers store fruits at room temperature, rather than in the refrigerator, they will soften and get mealy sooner," Dr. Brown shared with The New York Times.

To keep your apple tasting like it was "just picked" as long as possible, you might want to take it out of the decorative fruit bowl on your kitchen table. Instead, place your apples in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. According to Insider, the darker and cooler environment helps the apples maintain their crunch for a longer time. If you want to go the extra mile, place each individual apple in its own plastic bag or place a moist paper towel on top of your apples. This will help the fruits stay juicy.

If you are a parent prepping apple slices for your kiddos, opt for a different tactic. Place your apple slices into sealable plastic bags or containers. The more airtight, the better. These slices can be maintained in the fridge for approximately three to five days, as noted by Taste of Home.