How Long Do Apples Last?

How long do apples last? The shelf life of apples depends on a variety of factors, since there is not usually a sell by date, the only date you can go by is the purchased or picked date. Because of their relatively low cost, long Shelf Life, and proven health benefits, apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world and can be eaten right off the tree or cooked in hundreds of different ways. Remember, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" because of their high fiber and vitamin content while having very few calories.

So, how long do apples last? When properly stored, the shelf life of fresh apples past their sell by date is approximately:

Apples Expiration Date

(Unopened) Pantry Refrigerator
Fresh Apples lasts for 2-4 Weeks 1-2 Months
Packaged Fresh Cut Apples lasts for -- 3-5 Days
Applesauce lasts for 1-2 Months (Unopened) 1-2 Weeks (Open)
Apple Pie lasts for 1-2 Days 4-5 Days

This range is broad because apples may be purchased, stored and prepared in many different ways, each which can result in a different expiration date. It's also hard to tell how long of a shelf life they already had at the grocery before they arrived in your home. And, prior to arriving at the grocery, they may have been kept in controlled cold storage for up to year!

There are so many different varieties ranging from soft and sweet to crisp and tangy. The firmer varieties, like Granny Smith, last longer than the softer varieties, like Golden Delicious.

Of course, apples last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But remember that apples, like a lot of other fresh fruits, usually do not have a use by date so you have to use the date purchased in order to calculate the expiration date of apples.

How to tell if Apples are bad, rotten or spoiled?


Although not a perfect test, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if your apples have gone bad beyond the shelf life. Some common traits of bad apples are a grainy, soft interior and wrinkled skin along with discoloration and bruising. Avoid any apples with mold on the bottom.


How to store Apples to extend their shelf life?

You can help apples keep fresh longer by storing them in your pantry or refrigerator drawer.

Once apples are prepared, apples should be stored in a tightly closed container to keep out moisture and other contaminants. Although fresh apples will turn brown when exposed to air, there are simple ways to prolong the fresh white color and a vacuum seal will even further prolong discoloration.


Interesting facts about Apples:

  • There are 7500 varieties of apples!
  • The state of Washington grows the most apples in the United States.
  • How to use extra before your Apples go bad?

    Save your apples before they are rotten apples with one of these simple recipes:

  • Put a little water in a pan and add sliced, peeled (they don't have to be peeled but are nicer to eat) apples and cook them for about 5-10 minutes until soft and then pour out any excess water and add a touch of butter (if desired) and some cinnamon (sugar too if desired) - serve warm as a yummy side dish.

  • Apple Crisp makes a quick dessert - butter a pan and throw in some sliced apples (again, peeled is best) and then spread a mixture of oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, soft butter and a touch of cinnamon on top. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or so.
  • How long are Apples good for when prepared in a dish?

    How long do apples last? That depends. How long do bananas last? In general, apples only last as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe.

    What are our shelf life resources?


    *An important note about expiration dates...
