Ever Wonder Why Apples Stay Fresh for Months? The Answer Will Shock You!
Lets start the debate on “Ever Wonder Why Apples Stay Fresh for Months?”
Have you ever wondered how apples at the grocery store always look so fresh and perfect, no matter the season? You might assume they were just picked from the orchard, but the reality is far more surprising. Most apples you see in supermarkets have been stored for months – even up to a year – before reaching the shelves. Though they might look shiny and new, the way they achieve that long shelf life may give you pause before you buy your next Apple!
The Secret: Cold Storage and Wax Coating
Apples at stores are not fresh from the tree. Actually, they might have been picked months earlier! Once picked, such apples are placed in enormous cold storage facilities where temperature and oxygen are regulated. This retards ripening and maintains the apples’ freshness for many months – sometimes even a year!
But that is not the only thing. In order to give them a shiny and inviting look, apples are usually coated with a thin layer of wax. The wax protects them from losing moisture and lengthens their life. Though safe food-grade wax is used, it is an obstacle between the natural skin of the apple and the eater and makes it difficult to wash off chemicals and bacteria.
The Problem with Stored and Waxed Apples
Although cold storage and waxing can make apples last longer, they also have a bearing on taste and texture. Stored apples may lose their natural crunch and taste over time. Some may even begin to taste mealy or bland. Furthermore, apples stored for months may not be as nutritious as those freshly picked.
Many people also worry about the health impact of wax-coated apples. Though food-grade wax is technically safe, it can trap pesticides and bacteria on the surface. Unless you scrub them thoroughly or peel off the skin, you might be consuming more than just an apple.
Additionally, apples stored for a long time might be put in controlled atmosphere storage, in which oxygen is lowered and carbon dioxide is elevated. This retards ripening but occasionally changes the natural sugars and flavorings of the fruit so that they will taste other than genuine fresh apples.
The Orchards Box Difference: Fresh, Wax-Free, and Naturally Delicious
At Orchards Box, we think that apples should be enjoyed the way nature meant them to be – fresh, crisp, and full of flavor. That’s why our apples are:
- Freshly picked and delivered directly to you, not spending months in storage.
- Free from nasty pesticides so you can enjoy them without concern.
- Wax-free, so you receive the pure, natural taste of genuine apples.
- Packed with flavor because freshness is everything!
- By forgoing cold storage and the artificial coating, we keep each bite of our apples teeming with natural sweetness and crunch. No matter if you just eat them as a snack, mix them with your salads, or use them in your desserts, you can taste and tell the difference from the get-go.
The True Cost of Supermarket Apples
When you purchase apples at a grocery store, you’re not merely paying for the fruit itself—you’re also paying for months of processing, transport, and storage. The more time apples spend in storage, the more energy it takes to maintain them in a fresh state, contributing to environmental expenses. Moreover, the flavor and nutritional content of apples deteriorate with time, so you might not be getting the best out of your fruit.
Secondly, cold-stored apples account for food waste. Grocery stores tend to dispose of apples that are no longer aesthetically pleasing, though they are still edible. Such wastage affects the environment, as well as increasing the total price of fresh produce for customers.
How to Identify Truly Fresh Apples
If you need to ensure that you’re obtaining the freshest apples, try these tips:
- Select apples with a natural, matte finish instead of an artificially shiny surface.
- Ask where the apples came from and if they’ve been stored for extended periods.
- Select apples from local farms or farm-to-table operations that emphasize freshness.
- Press lightly on the apple – fresh apples will be firm and have no soft spots.
Conclusion: Choose Fresh, Choose Natural
Now that you’ve discovered the secret to supermarket apples, Ever Wonder Why Apples Stay Fresh for Months? Savor the true essence of apples with Orchards Box and taste the fruit as nature intended!
Ever wondered why fresh farm apples seem different from the apples at stores? Let us know your comments below!