Autumn brings with it a glorious abundance of apples, and after the satisfaction of harvesting, the next natural step is to ensure that this delicious bounty lasts as long as possible. It truly is worth taking the trouble to store your fruit properly, extending its life and allowing you to enjoy homegrown apples well into the colder months. Think of it as a small investment of time that pays dividends in crisp, flavourful fruit over many weeks.

The key to successful storage begins with selection. Be ruthless: only store absolutely perfect apples. This immediately rules out all windfalls, no matter how tempting they might look. Even the smallest bruise or blemish on an apple can quickly turn into a soft spot that spreads decay to its neighbours. When picking, handle your apples with the utmost care. Gently lift and twist each apple; if it’s ready, it will come away easily in your hand. From the moment it leaves the branch, treat each apple as if it were as fragile as an egg, doing everything you can to avoid any bruising.

Once picked and carefully assessed, it’s time for storage. The ideal method is to place each apple so that it is not touching any others, nestled in shallow boxes or trays. This separation is crucial to prevent rot from spreading if one apple does decide to spoil. The environment itself is just as vital: seek out somewhere cool, but reliably frost-free. It should also be dark to prevent premature ripening and not too dry, as extreme dryness can cause the apples to shrivel. A traditional cellar, a well-ventilated shed, or a cool garage usually offers the perfect conditions for your autumn harvest to keep beautifully, allowing you to savour the taste of your garden’s goodness long after the leaves have fallen.