How to Choose and Store Red Delicious Apples

By Manhattan Milk | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to select the best Red Delicious apples at the store and keep them crisp and juicy at home with these simple storage tips.

Quick answer

Choose Red Delicious apples that are firm, deep red, and free of soft spots, then store them in the refrigerator's crisper drawer to keep them crisp and juicy for weeks.

Why Red Delicious apples need special handling

Red Delicious apples are known for their crisp, juicy texture and mild sweetness, but they bruise easily and can become mealy if stored too warm. Proper selection and storage make the difference between a satisfying snack and a disappointing one.

What to look for when buying

Look for apples with a uniform deep red color and no green patches near the stem, which indicate they were picked too early. The apple should feel heavy for its size and have a firm, unyielding surface when gently pressed.

Steps to choose and store Red Delicious apples

Inspect the skin: Choose apples with smooth, unbroken skin and a deep red color. Avoid apples with brown spots, cuts, or wrinkled skin, which signal age or damage. A small scratch is okay, but avoid any apple with soft or sunken areas.
Check firmness: Gently squeeze the apple near the stem. It should feel hard and give very little. A soft or spongy apple is past its prime and will taste mealy. If you can easily dent the apple with your thumb, put it back.
Store in the crisper drawer: Place unwashed apples in a perforated plastic bag or leave them loose in the refrigerator's crisper drawer set to high humidity. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods like onions, as apples absorb odors. Do not wash apples before storing—moisture encourages mold. Rinse just before eating.
Separate from other fruit: Store apples apart from bananas, avocados, or other ethylene-sensitive produce. Apples emit ethylene gas that can speed ripening and spoilage of nearby items. If you must store them together, use a separate compartment or a sealed bag for the apples.
Check weekly and remove spoilers: Inspect stored apples once a week and remove any that show soft spots, mold, or shriveling. One bad apple can quickly spoil the whole case. A single spoiled apple can ruin the rest within a few days, so act fast.

Product facts

Case of Red Delicious Apples: Case of Red Delicious Apples from Manhattan Milk 2. These apples are described as crisp, juicy and delicious, making them a go-to snack for everyday enjoyment. Buying a case ensures you always have a healthy snack on hand, and proper storage keeps them fresh through the whole case.
Case of Red Delicious Apples