UK-grown apples store for one to five months depending on variety when kept at 2-4C with 85-90% humidity in a dark, ventilated space. Bramley apples last four to five months, Cox's Orange Pippin two to three months, and Conference pears three to four months. Wrap each fruit individually in newspaper on slatted wooden racks. Check monthly for brown rot, bitter pit and storage scald.
Key takeaways
- Late-season apples store longest: Bramley keeps 4-5 months, Cox 2-3 months, and Egremont Russet 3-4 months
- Ideal storage conditions are 2-4C, 85-90% humidity, darkness, and gentle air circulation
- Pick using the lift-and-twist test: ripe fruit detaches with a slight upward lift and quarter turn
- Wrap each apple individually in newspaper and lay on slatted wooden racks without touching
- Conference pears store 3-4 months in cold storage, then need 3-5 days at room temperature to ripen
- Check stored fruit monthly and remove any showing signs of brown rot, bitter pit or scald
apple storage pear storage fruit storage harvest grow your own preserving fruit
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
