Ideal Apples for Long-Term Winter Storage
Storing apples for winter's feast has never been more straightforward. While refrigeration or building a root cellar might seem daunting, a cool basement will do the trick. Simply wrap individual apples in newspaper, stash them in boxes with space between each fruit, and keep an eye out for discolored paper—a sign an apple is going bad.
I've managed to keep Newton Pippin Apples in pristine condition for an astounding 14 months with just a box, some paper, and my basement. These apples, one of the best keepers, aren't just a taste sensation—they're a year-long fruit fiesta waiting to happen.
Many apple varieties hit their flavor peak after being stored for a few months, and once they do, they're worth the wait.
Apple Exploration Guide
To enjoy apples all winter long, choose the right varieties. The technique is less crucial here than the variety you select. Here's a list of my favorite winter storage apples so far. I'll update this list as I discover other long-keepers.
Keepers of the Crown
Jump-start your winter apple supply with these extraordinary varieties. Remember that storage conditions play a significant role, so keep them in a cool, dark spot.
Arkansas Black:
The dark, vibrant skin of this apple is silky smooth and full of flavor, making it ideal for fresh eating.
Ashmead's Kernel:
A delightful apple with a shifting taste profile—tart when fresh, mellowing over time in storage. I've personally stored this gem for 8 months in my humble basement.
Baldwin:
An ancient New England treasure, this apple boasts juiciness and just the right sweet-tart balance. It's an all-purpose apple, perfect for eating fresh or baking.
Sublime Storage Stars
Ready to explore more? Expand your apple horizons with these top-shelf storage apples.
Black Twig:
This obscure heirloom apple is renowned for its dark, almost purple skin and intense flavor. Its structure is robust, making it perfect for snacking.
Braeburn:
Found in supermarkets everywhere, this apple's firm texture and aroma make it suitable for fresh eating, sauce, or baking. It stores well for up to 12 months with ideal conditions.
Brown Russet:
One of the sturdy russet apples that store exceptionally well. Ideal for fresh eating or juicing into sweet cider.
Cox's Orange Pippin:
This apple is the parent to many popular apples today, boasting an intense flavor and crisp juiciness that's perfect for snacking and baking.
Crispin (Mutsu):
A Japanese apple known as Mutsu in Japan and Crispin in Europe and America, it offers a pale yellow color, cream-colored flesh, and a crisp crunch.
Enterprise:
This hardy apple stores well due to its firm sweetness and slight tang. Ripen in October, then store for up to 6 months.
Esopus Spitzenburg:
A regional favorite in the northeast, this apple has a complex flavor with both spice and tangy notes.
Fuji:
Bred from Red Delicious, which I can't stand, Fuji apples actually prove quite delicious and store exceptionally well. They boast a honey-like flavor and a sweet-tart balance.
Golden Russet:
This apple has serious russeting on the outside, a tough skin, and a flavor reminiscent of a potato—but a delicious one! A fabulous cider apple, it's also tasty eaten fresh.
Gold Rush:
This apple doesn't reach peak flavor until it's been stored for a few months, making it the perfect winter apple. It has a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors.
Idared:
A relatively new apple developed in the 1940s, it boasts an aromatic flavor that's tad tangy-tart. A reliable keeper.
Melrose:
A cross between Jonathan and Delicious, this apple is tangy and aromatic, perfect for fresh eating. Stores well, too.
Newtown Pippin:
Developed in New York in the 1700s, Newtown Pippins are the undisputed champions of storage apples. I've stored them for an impressive 14 months and still managed to bake pies with them. The flavor improves significantly after several months in storage, transforming into a rich, tangy apple.
Northern Spy:
A crowd favorite, this apple has a fine-grained, smooth flesh and an aromatic flavor. It's excellent fresh or used in pies. Stores until spring if handled carefully.
Pink Lady:
A newer apple that's becoming more common in supermarkets, Pink Lady is a great storage apple. Its crisp texture and tropical flavor make it perfect for fresh eating and baking.
Rome:
This apple is a favorite in the Ohio River Valley and has been around since the 1800s. It's known for its tart and acidic flavor, making it an excellent choice for baking. Store too long, and it loses its flavor, turning mealy.
Rome Beauty:
Also known as Red Rome, this apple is great as a baking apple. It ripens between September and early November, then stores until June. Ensure you select the red-skinned variety for best results.
Tydeman's Late Orange:
Bred from Cox Orange Pippin, this apple offers a complex flavor that emerges only after several months in storage, around Christmas time. Watch out for biennial tendencies—it may only bear large crops every other year.
Winesap:
One of the best storage apples, it's famous for storing until June. It has a rich, aromatic flavor that's perfect for fresh eating, pies, sauce, or cider.
Canning recipes for a winter food-and-drink extravaganza can include various apple recipes using storage apples such as 'Newtown Pippin', 'Rome', 'Northern Spy', and 'Winesap'. With the right cooking methods and proper lifestyle considerations for home-and-garden storage, one can preserve these apples for an extended period, enhancing the taste of food-and-drink dishes throughout winter. Exploring different recipes will showcase the unique flavors of each apple variety, making for a memorable culinary experience.
