Garden apples 'will last until Christmas' if you do 1 thing right after picking them

As the apple-picking season arrives, green-fingered Brits are being told there's one thing they must do right after harvesting to keep their fruit fresh for months. Many assume homegrown apples only last a few weeks. But with the right method, they could stay crisp and tasty right through to winter, even lasting long enough to enjoy them during the festive season.

There's no need for high-tech equipment or expensive kits. In fact, the key to long-lasting fruit lies in something far more basic, and it all starts just after picking. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), garden-grown fruit like apples and pears can last well into winter if handled with care and kept in the right place.

The RHS says: "With a little planning, you could be eating your own apples at Christmas."

The best varieties to store are typically late-season apples like Jonagold, Winston, or Bramley's Seedling.

These tend to ripen later and keep longer. Some pears, such as Conference, can also last for months if stored correctly.

The most important thing to do after harvesting is to handle fruit gently to avoid bruising. This step is crucial, as even small blemishes can lead to rot.

Apples should be placed in shallow crates or trays in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space like a shed, garage, or cellar.

The ideal temperature is between 4 and 7C, and anything colder than 2.8C could spoil them.

Fruits should be stored in a single layer, not touching, with the stalks intact. Those picked just under-ripe tend to store best.

Different apple types should be kept separate, as they ripen at different speeds and can affect each other.

The RHS advises checking stored fruit regularly. If any start to rot, they should be thrown away immediately to stop the spread of mould.

Pears ripen more quickly and may need to be moved indoors for a day or two before eating.

To go a step further, apples can be individually wrapped in newspaper or tissue paper to extend their life.

However, this makes it harder to spot issues, so regular inspection is still needed.

For those without suitable storage areas, small batches of apples can also be kept in plastic bags with holes in the fridge, where they will last for a few weeks.

And while fruit like quince should be used within a month, late-season apples can last several months, as long as they're stored properly from the start.