Learn why apples get wrinkled skin in the fridge. Discover how moisture loss is the culprit and how to store them properly to keep them crisp.
1 Answer
Apples develop wrinkles in cold storage due to water loss through their skin, a process accelerated by the low humidity typically found in cold storage environments. This water loss causes the apple to dehydrate and the skin to become less taut, resulting in wrinkles.
Detailed Explanation:
Apples, like all fruits, are primarily composed of water. When stored in cold environments, especially those with low humidity, the water inside the apple tends to evaporate and move towards the drier air outside. This process is known as transpiration. The apple's skin acts as a barrier, but it's not completely impermeable. Over time, water molecules escape through tiny pores and natural imperfections in the skin. As the apple loses water, its internal volume decreases. The skin, which was once stretched tightly over the fruit, now has excess surface area, leading to the formation of wrinkles. The rate of wrinkling depends on factors like the apple variety, the storage temperature, and the humidity level. Lower humidity and warmer temperatures (within the cold storage range) will generally lead to faster water loss and more pronounced wrinkling.
Pro Tip:
To minimize wrinkling in cold storage, maintain a high humidity level (around 90-95%) and a consistent, low temperature (just above freezing) to slow down water loss. Consider using perforated plastic bags to help retain moisture around the apples without causing condensation buildup.