Friday, October 12, 2012

Apple Picking Season

If you are picking apples and need storage tips, the Minnesota Grown organization has the following tips:

Placing them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator will keep them (depending on the variety) fresh for a week or so. For longer storage, you'll want to keep the apples in a cool, dark place with high humidity, away from other fruits. Placing them gently in a cardboard box is recommended and closing the top will help to reduce airflow (it does not need to be air tight). Remember not to try store apples that have bruises or bad spots. The decay will just continue and may spread to other apples!

They also suggest the following varieties for those late season picks:


Here are a few later season varieties:
  • Cortland apples are mildly tart.They tend to hold their color longer so are commonly used in fruit salads or fruit trays.
  • Haralson apples are tart.They are great for cooking and often used in pies.
  • Honeygold apples are sweet and crisp. They are yellow-green in color.
  • Fireside apples are sweet. They are great for pies because they keep their shape and don't cook down to sauce.
  • Regent apples are sweet. They are often used for pies, desserts and jellies. These apples normally ripen early-to-mid October.
  • Keepsake apples are sweet and spicy. They are great for cooking and normally ripen mid to late October.  

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