Keeping apples fresh through the winter might sound like a challenge, but one clever trick shared online has shown that it is much easier than most people realise.
In a TikTok video that has now made its way across countless For You Pages, gardening expert Michael Griffiths demonstrates how a simple household item we usually throw away can help apples stay crisp for months.
His method is surprisingly straightforward, relies on nothing more than careful storage, and makes the most of late season varieties that often go soft long before spring arrives.
If you have ever wondered how to make a good crop last well into the new year, this old fashioned tip might be the answer.
This article is for general informational purposes only and reflects details sourced from publicly available online content. Storage results can vary depending on apple varieties and home conditions. Photos, if included, are for illustrative purposes only.
Why Newspaper Helps Apples Stay Fresh For Months
It turns out the secret to keeping apples crisp well past Christmas is sitting right in your recycling pile.
In his popular TikTok video, gardening expert Michael Griffiths explains that wrapping each apple in a single sheet of newspaper stops them touching one another, which helps slow down the spread of ethylene gas.
This is the natural gas apples release as they ripen, and when fruit sits too close together, that process speeds up dramatically.
By keeping each apple snug in its own paper parcel, you create a tiny barrier that helps prevent bruising, moisture loss, and one spoiled apple turning the whole batch mushy.
It is a wonderfully old fashioned trick that still works brilliantly today.
The Best Places To Store Apples During Colder Weather
According to Michael’s video, where you stash your apples is just as important as how you wrap them. He recommends choosing somewhere cold but never frosty, such as a shed, cellar, or a chilly garage.
These spots give you that “reasonably moist, dark environment” that keeps the fruit from drying out too quickly.
Apples stored in warm kitchens or centrally heated rooms tend to shrivel before you have a chance to enjoy them, so a proper cool corner really does stretch their shelf life.
Whether you use a tray, a rack, or a simple shelf, the key is finding a spot that mimics the slow, steady conditions apples would naturally experience outdoors in late autumn.
How To Pick And Prepare Apples Before Long Term Storage
Before any newspaper gets involved, Michael stresses the importance of choosing the right apples for long term storage. Late season varieties picked from November onward are the best candidates, but they must be blemish free, dry, and free from insect damage.
Bruised apples can spoil themselves and everything around them, so they are better eaten straight away. Once you have sorted your batch, you can either wrap each fruit in newspaper or place them on a rack, making sure they never touch.
The rack method gives better airflow and makes it easier to check for early signs of spoilage, though it does require more space. Whichever method you choose, this bit of prep work is what helps your apples stay fresh well into spring.
