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Food storage guides

How long do apples last?

Sources: USDA FoodKeeper. Last reviewed October 2026.

Apples keep for about 3 weeks on the counter and 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge.

Storage times

ApplesPantryFridgeFreezer
Apples3 weeks4 to 6 weeks8 months (cooked)
Applesauce, homemade—3 weeks8 to 12 months
Applesauce, store-bought, unopened12 to 18 months——
Applesauce, store-bought, opened—7 to 10 days—

Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, freezer at 0°F (−18°C) or below. Freezer times are for best quality only: food kept frozen at 0°F (−18°C) or below stays safe indefinitely. A dash means the source gives no time.

Storage tips

  • Apples last longer in the fridge: 4 to 6 weeks instead of about 3 on the counter.
  • FoodKeeper's freezer time applies to cooked apples.
  • Once you open store-bought applesauce, keep it in the fridge.

Signs it's gone off

  • Throw out apples that are moldy, leaking or mushy.

Common questions

How long do apples last?

Apples keep for about 3 weeks on the counter and 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge, according to USDA FoodKeeper.

Can you freeze apples?

Cooked apples keep their best quality for about 8 months in the freezer.

Sources

Guidance, not a guarantee. These times come from US government food safety sources and assume food was handled and stored safely. Always follow the date and instructions on the package, check food before you eat it, and when in doubt, throw it out. This page isn't medical advice.

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