Apples for storing

Dominic Murphy

19 October 2011

We've just had our first crop of an unusual apple called Ashmead's Kernel. It has a fantastic, sharp flavour and firm, crunchy texture. But best of all, it's one of the finest apples for storing. Play our cards right and my family could be enjoying it in February. 

For storing, apples need to be blemish-free. The slightest damage will quickly rot and infect other apples. Be ruthless when you sort them.

Apples should be stored so they are not touching. You can wrap them in newspaper to help keep them apart. This will also slow down any shrivelling.

I don't fancy inky residues on my fruit, so we're using moulded trays from the greengrocer's (see picture).

Your apple store needs to be dry, rodent-proof, a constant temperature and not too draughty. The garage or shed is an obvious choice.

Some aficionados recommend broken fridges or freezers, with holes in the seals for ventilation.

I'm not in the habit of hoarding old appliances, so I'm using a set of drawers in the back porch.

Remember not all varieties are good for storing. As a rule, the later the apple crops, the better it will keep.

Winston, Kidd's Orange Red, Blenheim Orange, Bramley, Howgate Wonder, Lanes Prince Albert, Pixie, Russets and Winter Gem are all recommended for keeping.

Not forgetting Ashmead's Kernel.

Dominic Murphy, Publishing & New Media Team