Cut down on food bills by prolonging your home-grown fruit in storage
With the cost of living crisis hitting us all, storing apples and pears from your garden trees for use in winter is more important than ever. If done properly, you could have a supply of free fresh fruit in the dark days of post-Christmas winter. Read more about pruning apples and pears.
The owners of fruit tree specialists Chris Bowers and Sons have these tips to ensure fresh apples and pears. John Bowers and Steve Edwards, based at Whispering Trees Nursery, Wimbotsham in Norfolk advise that the best time to pick fruit for storage is before they are fully ripe.
John said: “With correct storage, they should last right through until after Christmas. The secret is regular checking to remove any that have started to deteriorate and to eat those that are reaching full ripeness.”
“The next step is to enjoy. Stored apples and pears retain all the flavour and texture of fresh fruits, even in the depth of winter,” says Steve.
Storing apples and pears – simple steps
The Whispering Trees storage plan is simple to follow:
- Apples, both dessert and cooking, should be picked before fully ripe and individually wrapped in clean paper bags, newspaper, or kitchen roll.
- Pears do not need to be wrapped and they mature more rapidly than apples.
- Lay the fruits out in a cardboard, wooden or plastic box, ensuring they are not touching to allow a good flow of air.
- Do not mix different fruits in the same storage container.
- Keep away from onions and other strong-smelling substances.
- Check regularly and remove diseased fruits.
- Keep in a dark, dry and frost-free area.
You can also process apples or pears to preserve them – here’s how I deal with gluts. Here’s my lazy apple puree recipe.
For more information on fruit trees, visit www.chrisbowers.co.uk.
