How Long Do Apples Last in The Fridge? An Ultimate Guide For You to Keep Apples Fresh
A fresh, whole apple is safe to store at room temperature for about one week, but once you cut it, it must be refrigerated, unless it is cooked into a pie. Then you can store it at room temperature for up to two days.
These varying storage conditions for fresh produce are dependent on several things, including:
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Pathogens. Some produce is more likely to harbour pathogens, so it is recommended that it be refrigerated to limit their growth. Apple, for example, should be stored in the refrigerator because it is more likely to allow pathogens to grow than many other types of produce.
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Humidity. Some types of apples lose water quickly and need a low-humidity level to help them retain their water, such as in the produce drawer of the refrigerator.
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Ethylene content. Ethylene causes apples to ripen fast, and cold storage decreases the release of ethylene. Storing apples in the refrigerator, therefore, will just extend their shelf life.
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Cool temperatures. This can prevent some apples from achieving a good flavour or texture. For example, apples can lose their flavour when refrigerated or bananas turn black and do not ripen properly.
🧊 How Long Do Apples Last in the Fridge?
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Whole apples stored in a refrigerator's crisper drawer (around 30–35°F) generally stay crisp and tasty for 6 to 8 weeks, and some hardier varieties may last even longer.
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Specific varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, McIntosh, and Cosmic Crisp often hold up well for 2 to 3 months when conditions are ideal.
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On the countertop, apples typically remain fresh for about 1–2 weeks before becoming soft or mealy.
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Cut apples should go into an airtight container, be lightly coated with lemon juice to prevent browning, and be consumed within 3–5 days with optimal freshness.
🍏 Overview Table: Storage Life by Apple Type & Situation
| Apple Type / Condition | Countertop | Fridge Crisper Drawer | Long-Term Storage (Cool, Dark) | Cut Apples (Fridge) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard varieties (Gala, Fuji) | 5–7 days | 6–8 weeks | 3–6 months | 3–5 days |
| Crisp/thick-skinned (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Rome) | 5–7 days | 8–12 weeks | 6–9 months | 3–5 days |
| Thin-skinned (Golden Delicious) | 3–5 days | 4–6 weeks | 2–4 months | 2–4 days |
| Bruised or damaged apples | 2–3 days | 1–2 weeks | ❌ | ❌ |
Check the Overview of Apple Storage Recommendations
| Type of Apple | Storage Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, whole apples | Room temperature is safe, but can also store in the refrigerator to last longer | Apples are safe at room temperature, but their higher ethylene content contributes to faster ripening. Apples stored in the refrigerator can last for several weeks. |
| Cut apples or apples in a modified form, such as applesauce | Refrigerator | Cut produce is more susceptible to pathogens, so storing in the refrigerator can limit pathogen growth. |
| Baked apple pie | Room temperature for up to two days; Refrigerator for up to four days | Fruit pies are made with sugar and the combination of sugar and acid in the fruit is sufficient to retard bacterial growth at room temperature. You can extend this shelf life a little by storing in the refrigerator. Keep in mind though, any pies made with custard, cream, eggs or sugar substitutes, or contain fresh fruit (like a strawberry pie that was not baked) always require refrigeration. |
