To Store Apples
To keep your hand-picked apples crisp and fresh into the winter months, keep them cool (near 32 degrees F) and damp (90% humidity). The crisper drawer or a covered container in the refrigerator is ideal. Larger quantities can be store in a cool, humid basement or in the garage until a hard freeze. If your storage area is too dry, simply keep apples covered with a damp cloth.
To Freeze Apples
When freezing, remember to use apples that are crisp and firm. To begin, peel core and slice the apples. Soak them in a weak brine solution (1/2 cup salt to one gallon water) for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and pack slices in freezer containers. Cover the slices with sugar syrup – 2 cups sugar and 1/2 tsp crystalline ascorbic acid (such as Fruit Fresh) dissolved in one quart cold water.
Eating the Peel
An unpeeled apple packs as much antioxidant punch as 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C. Apples eaten wit the skin on can decrease colon-cancer cell growth by 43% and decrease liver-cancer cell growth by 57%.
