To maintain the quality of apples, it's essential to handle them as carefully as eggs, as they can bruise easily. Apples naturally give off ethylene, a gas that triggers the ripening of fruit and vegetables. The best way to store apples is in the fruit drawer of the fridge, either loose or in their original bag. This maintains their flavor and firmness, while preventing them from becoming "mealy". At room temperature, apples soften ten times faster!
Fruits and vegetables should always be washed under running water before eating. It's best to avoid washing them before storing, as this accelerates their deterioration.