When selecting apples in the store, steer clear of apples with bruises or blemishes. Bruised apples decay much faster. The ideal apple will be smooth, blemish free, and firm to the touch.

Warm temperatures speed up ripening and can cause apples to soften, so refrigerate apples to make them last longer. Well-stored, bruise-free apples can last as long as 90 days!

Apples tend to absorb flavors from strong-scented foods. To prevent this from happening, simply a) keep them away from strong-smelling foods, such as onions and garlic, or b) keep apples enclosed in a plastic bag. Apples also emit a natural, non-harmful-occurring gas called ethylene. Ethylene actually speeds up the ripening of other produce items, so keep apples in a plastic bag to help prevent this from happening. Without ethylene, some items, such as bananas, would never ripen.

To avoid discoloration, keep the surface of apples dry. Do not rinse until just before ready to use. Always wash your apples before consuming. This is true of all fresh produce.