Apples can stay fresh 'for months' if wrapped in 1 item in November

Staying healthy means eating plenty of fruit and veg, and apples are a British favourite, but there's a straightforward trick to make them last much longer. Whilst they're tasty and nutritious, apples can spoil rather quickly without proper storage, though a simple method could extend their shelf life for months.

Gardening guru Michael Griffiths has previously revealed an easy food storage tip to help people get the most from their apples. It's particularly useful during the colder months, as he maintains this technique could actually keep the fruit fresh right through to spring.

He posted a straightforward video on TikTok explaining what people need to do. There are additional tips you can follow to ensure the fruit remains in top condition.

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Michael explained: "Here's how you store apples. If you're lucky enough to have a good crop of late apples, which are picked from November onwards, you can store these over winter, and here's how.

"There are two methods to doing this, and both will allow you to store your apples until spring. We want to slow the apple from drying out, so we want somewhere that's cold but not frosty, somewhere that's dark and reasonably moist, so a shed, a cellar or a cold garage like this will be perfect."

He continued: "Before you store the apples, make sure they're not blemished, and there's no insect damage. Method one is to wrap them in newspaper.

"The benefit of this is that the apples can be touching each other because they're covered in newspaper; however, they're not going to get any airflow around them when it's hard to check the apples periodically. To do this, wrap them in one sheet and gently place on a tray or a rack.

"For method two, you need to have access to a rack of some kind. This method allows air to move around the apple, and keep it fresh.

"The benefit of this method is that you can easily see the apples. The downside is that you need more space. The critical thing with this method is that the apples must not touch."

The video racked up hundreds of views after being shared, with many viewers thanking Michael for his clever tip. With apple season coming to an end, it's incredibly useful advice to have.

How does newspaper keep apples fresh?

You might not realise it, but wrapping apples individually in newspaper can extend their freshness significantly. The technique works by preventing the fruit from making contact with one another.

The hack is most effective when apples are kept in a cool, dry location away from other fruit and vegetables. Remember to inspect them regularly for any indication of deterioration.

Store only apples that are free from bruising, cuts or pest damage. The stem must remain attached, and make sure they're completely dry before putting them away.

Apples emit a substance known as ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process. Individual wrapping helps trap this gas, preventing each apple from affecting the others.

If stored properly, apples can remain fresh for months. For more detailed advice, consult a food expert.