Always refrigerate your apples! They stay fresh up to 10 times longer when kept cold. Store them in the crisper drawer, away from strong-smelling foods like onions, as apples absorb odors easily. Properly refrigerated apples can last 4–6 weeks. Avoid leaving them on the counter for extended periods, as they ripen much faster at room temperature.
How do I keep my apples from browning so quickly?
Browning happens when the apple’s flesh is exposed to oxygen — a natural process called oxidation. To slow it down, toss sliced apples in a little lemon juice or a bowl of cold water with a splash of citrus. Storing cut apples in an airtight container in the fridge also helps significantly. Some varieties, like Cortland, naturally resist browning longer than others.
How much fiber is in an apple?
It depends on the size — and always keep the skin on, as that’s where most of the fiber lives:Small apple: about 3.6g of fiber | Medium apple: about 4.4g | Large apple: about 5.4g
Peeled apples drop to about 2g of fiber, so always eat the skin to maximize the benefit. A medium apple covers roughly 14–16% of most adults’ daily fiber needs.
Which apples are best for baking, and which are best for eating fresh?
For baking, you want apples that hold their shape and don’t turn to mush in the oven. Empire, Rome, Cortland, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith are top choices. For eating fresh, you want crisp, juicy, and flavorful — Honeycrisp, SnapDragon, McIntosh, Gala, and RubyFrost are New York favorites. A good rule: tart and firm for baking, sweet and juicy for snacking.
How are New York apples available in stores all year if harvest ends in November?
The answer is Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage and New York actually played a major role in developing the technology. A researcher named Robert Smock from Cornell University visited Cambridge, England in the late 1930s to study groundbreaking CA storage technology, then brought it back to New York and adapted it specifically for local apple varieties, focusing on how to make McIntoshes last until spring.
Here’s how it works: in CA storage rooms, the temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity levels are precisely adjusted to create a hibernation-like environment for the apples after harvest. “The whole idea is to put the apple to sleep,” as Cornell professor Chris Watkins describes it. As an apple ripens, its starches convert to sugar and it takes in oxygen while giving off carbon dioxide. CA storage slows this respiration process down so the apple doesn’t ripen quickly — and most varieties can be stored for 12 months or longer this way.
Are New York apples GMO?
Nope! No GMO apples are grown in New York State. All cross-breeding — such as the development of SnapDragon — is done through natural processes and conventional cross-breeding, crossing plants with relevant characteristics and selecting the best offspring. New York’s apple breeding program at Cornell University has been innovating varieties this way for over a century.
What are the health benefits of eating apples?
Apples are rich in quercetin and pectin, both credited for their health benefits. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while pectin is a soluble fiber that may help prevent constipation and modestly lower LDL cholesterol. Apples are also cholesterol-free, fat-free, and sodium-free, making them one of the most nutritionally well-rounded snacks you can eat. They also support gut health, help manage blood sugar, and are linked to reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
What happens if I swallow an apple seed?
Nothing to worry about. If you swallow whole apple seeds by accident, you’ll be fine! The body can’t digest the outer layer of apple seeds, so they pass right through your digestive system unharmed.
Is there wax on my apple? What is it?
Yes, sometimes but it’s completely safe. Apples naturally produce their own protective wax coating. After washing and packing, some of this is removed, so a thin food-grade wax is sometimes reapplied to preserve freshness during shipping and storage. All waxes used on apples are FDA-approved, made from natural sources like carnauba or shellac, and are entirely safe to eat. If you prefer, simply rinse your apple under warm water before eating.
Why should I eat an apple a day?
The old saying holds up. One medium apple provides about 95 calories, 3–4 grams of fiber, vitamin C, and powerful antioxidants — with zero fat, sodium, or cholesterol. Those who ate one or more apples a day had a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared with those who ate none, according to a study of more than 38,000 women. Apples also support gut health, heart health, and weight management — all in a convenient, naturally portable package.
