Re: Storage of apples

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
Alan Illeman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>Beverly Erlebacher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>
>> 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.
>
>What about late apples ?, they are ready now (I'm in Toronto). Obviously
>they shouldn't freeze but do you have any tips for keeping them thru
>the winter ?

I'm in Toronto too, and no, most of the late apples aren't ready yet.

Cool and humid is best.  AFAIK, as close to freezing as you can get without
getting quite that cold.  Traditionally this was accomplished in an earth-
floored unheated cellar.  Keep apples away from root crops or they will pick
up the earthy flavors.  Don't put them in sealed plastic bags, they need
some ventilation.  Don't try to store bruised or blemished fruit.  It will
rot.  Pick over the apples every few weeks to remove any that are going bad
before one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel...

You can find books in the library on long-term storage of produce.  Some
varieties of apples store exceptionally well, Idared, for one is best after
New Year's.  IIRC, Russets and Spy are traditional varieties that store
well, but without high-tech controlled atmosphere storage, you're going
to have wrinkled apples by spring, just as everybody used to.  They're
still good, just not crisp and not as flavorful.  So enjoy them while
they're in good shape.

Btw, I was once in an old abandoned orchard in eastern Ontario and spotted
some apples lying around in May that looked as good as they had the previous
fall.  They were lying on the dirt a groundhog (marmot) had dug out of his
burrow.  While it's cool and humid in a groundhog burrow under a meter of
snow in winter, I wonder if the CO2 from groundhog breath helped preserve
the apples.