Storing Apples for the winter - will this work ?

[LizaBear]

If we go and pick a bushel of apples, and want them to keep for a few months - will this work :

We put the apples in a coleman cooler, and put the cooler in our outdoor shed.

I know apples keep best right around the freezing mark, but not so great too much below it or above it.

We do get very cold temperatures here, but will the shed (not insulated) and cooler keep them well enough to last for a while ?

Or do they need more air than the cooler will give them ?

[deditus]

I think they need air flow - the ethylene gas being trapped like that would probably make them rot.

[LizaBear]

We were hoping to use the cooler to keep the mice out, and to keep the temperature more stable.

[elanorh]

Some varieties store better than others -- this will depend a bit on what variety you're using.

The book Rootcellaring would give you some tips on apple storage - you may find that there is even a place in your house which works for storing the apples. I haven't stored apples through the winter, but I believe they need to be in a cool, somewhat humid place (near fridge temperature) -- and check frequently for spoiling apples. Some apple varieties will keep for three or more months, I believe. Putting Food By also has advice about varieties of apples that keep well, and how to store them.

[mrsjtc]

I've heard it depends on the type of apple also. Friends of mine have gotten Idared apples and stored them in a burlap sack in their basement with no problems. Good luck!

[LizaBear]

Okay - so any ideas as to something that is rodent-proof (or close to it) but allows for air flow ?