Picking your own apples this year?Remember that color doesn't determine how ripe an apple is. Pick firm, crisp apples by lifting up and twisting the fruit. Keeping the stem attached to any picked fruit will help keep it fresh and increase it's storage life.

Apple season in Minnesota runs from August to early-November. This time of year is when fruit is at it's peak. If you're hoping to stretch the fall harvest, store your apples in a cool dark place. This will keep them crisp and juicy well into the winter season. 

The crisper drawer of your refrigerator is a great place to keep apples. They love cold and moist air. To keep moisture levels up, place a damp wash cloth or damp towel inside the crisper drawer once a week. 

Not a fan of brown apple slices? Air exposure is the culprit. Keep your apples looking fresh by dipping slices in a lemon juice solution---mix three tablespoons of lemon juice with one quart of water. This works well, but the best option is to wait to cut an apple until you are going to eat it.

When freezing, pick apples that have crisp and firm textures, and use varieties that are good for making pies and sauces. Frozen apples keep better texture and flavor if they are packed in sugar or sugar syrup. However, you can freeze unsweetened apple slices if you are going to cook or bake them in pies or cobblers. Freeze slices on a cookie sheet and when they are completely frozen, remove the slices and pack them in freezer containers.