Advice
Storing fruit
Only store the best quality fruit as poor fruit will not store well and may affect otherwise healthy fruit.
Environment
This needs to be cool with an even temperature, ideally around 3-7°C (37-45°F), ensuring that temperatures do not fall below 2.8°C (36°F). The store should be well ventilated, dark and with a moist (but not damp) atmosphere. A cellar, garden shed or garage would suit if they meet these requirements.
Containers
Containers
should give enough space for air to circulate between the
fruit. Stacking crates are ideal for this, but specially constructed
slatted wooden shelves, wooden orchard boxes or polystyrene
trays are also suitable.
Preparing fruit
Although
fruit stores well unwrapped, the best results come from wrapping.
Fruit can be stored in polythene bags, providing that the
temperature is kept even to prevent condensation. Pierce one
hole per 500g (1lb) of fruit, placing fruit in a single layer
and folding over the end. Larger apples such as 'Bramley's
Seedling' which do not store well if wrapped, can be stored
in polythene bags but double the number of holes.
Apples can be wrapped in tissue paper or newspaper. Pears should be left unwrapped. Quince have a pungent aroma and should not be stored near other fruit.
Problems
Fruit rotting: Due to inadequate ventilation or damaged fruit.
Shriveling: Temperatures may be too high or atmosphere lacking in humidity. If you can damp down the floor occasionally this will help maintain a moist atmosphere, or store fruit in polythene bags.