Re: Storage of apples

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
Smith <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>Moved in here last year, and there's an apple tree in the garden. This
>summer it's laden with the most beautiful russets. I've just picked them,
>and will give lots to family and friends, but there will still be hundreds
>left. Is there any way to store them and if so, how long can they last in
>storage. Will they see me through until next summer?

Early apples generally don't store well, even under the best conditions.
While some of the best varieties for storage will last until early spring
in edible condition if just kept cool and humid, the commercial apples
you buy in the spring have been kept in special low-oxygen "controlled 
atmosphere" storage facilities.

While it's certainly worth experimenting to see how long you can keep the
apples, you may want to look into canning applesauce or pie filling, or
making cider or dried fruit.  A local food bank or similar organization
may be happy to get fresh fruit.  

If you want to try something more exotic, you might consider top working
the tree to graft on other varieties so you'll have fruit ripening over a 
longer period, and including ones that will store without too much trouble
for several months.