A gazillion apples - best way to store?

[anonymousbird]

We are relatively new to the apple mularkey, always had cookers - wrapped in newspaper and kept in the shed. However, our orchard, planted 3 years ago is now producing wonderful amounts of eaters and it will take me forever and a day to wrap them all individually in paper.

is there an easier/better/quicker way to store? I have a nice dry cool shed in which potatoes and onions keep for months quite nicely in sacks. I also have an outside fridge which is currently not in use and could be put to use, even with the power off perhaps????

Any advice gratefully received. Many thanks.

A bit off the wall but have you thought of a fruit press to make cider?

The shed sounds fine but the fridge will go mouldy with the power off. The apples in the shed must not be allowed to freeze though or be in contact with each other or they will go off. Ideally stored in compartmentalised cardboard boxes.

I think you can skip wrapping them in newspaper if you lay them out carefully on apple trays and store them in a cool dry place.

I also puree a lot in advance.

Invite a primary school to come and pick them, and make lots of new friends!

anonymous bird, just wondering how many apple trees you planted, and which varieties, to give you this abundance???

I have something like 6 trees, still quite young but the fruit this year is unbelievable!! We will be in apples right into winter. Luckily we all love them! It was a great year for blossom as we all know, so obviously the fruit has followed suit beautifully.

Can't recall varieties, it was my DH's baby really, but definitely have some Discovery and some Pippin... Gosh, it's really bad, I can't remember the names.

Some more need picking in the next few days before they drop and the bloody chickens get them!

And as for my Bramleys (long established tree) I am not sure I have the storage room... neighbours/friends/anyone who knows us will have cooking apples foisted upon them shortly!

Might be a bit late now but my DH makes wooden victorian style apple storers. They're tall cupboards with removable slatted drawers. Also good for other fruit and veg as the air can circulate so they don't get sweaty and mouldy. Traditionally used in cellars to store the apples all year.

Been busy making them this year- it's been a brilliant year for apples!