We know that a day at the Orchard often leads to taking home a few more apples than planned. And while fresh-picked apples are hard to resist, sometimes a few linger longer than we expect. If you’ve found yourself with apples that look a bit soft or wrinkly, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a quick look at how to tell when an apple is still good and how to turn those “almost too old” apples into something delicious.
When to Toss—and When to Keep
Though a blemish might now be pretty, a little bruise or soft spot doesn’t mean an apple’s ready for the trash. It’s usually just a bit of surface damage, not spoilage, and you can simply cut around it and keep going. Even apples that look a bit wrinkly are still fine—they’ve just lost some moisture, which actually makes them sweeter and perfect for cooking.
But there are times where we’ve missed our opportunity and its best to move on. If you see fuzzy mold, large mushy patches, oozing, or notice a sour or fermented smell, the apple has moved into true spoilage and should be discarded. Mold can spread deeply through soft fruit, so if you see it, compost the whole apple rather than cutting around it.
How to Use “Less-Than-Perfect” Apples
Older apples are actually great in the kitchen. As they soften, their natural sweetness becomes more pronounced, and they break down beautifully when cooked. Here are some easy, go-to ways to use them:
- Applesauce – Just chop, simmer, and mash. Peeling is optional.
- Apple Butter – Cook that applesauce a little longer until it turns thick and deeply flavored.
- Crisps & Cobblers – Soft apples melt into a sweet, warm filling under a crunchy topping.
- Muffins or Quick Breads – Chopped or grated apples add moisture and flavor.
- Savory Dishes – Sautéed apples are a classic pairing with pork or roasted vegetables. Or, try a bit of apple added to an acorn squash soup. Delish!
- Short on time? Chop and freeze your apples for later. They’ll be ready and waiting to throw in sauces or baked goods down the road.
In the End
A few wrinkles on an apple don’t mean it’s destined for the compost bin. With a quick check and a little trimming, many “almost bad” apples can be transformed into cozy fall dishes full of flavor. So the next time you find a few tired apples at the bottom of the bowl, give them a second look—you might just have the makings of your next favorite recipe.