Apples for winter storage: Optimal freezing method for late-season varieties

Ingredients Dense sweet‑sour apples (late‑season varieties such as Antonovka or Simirenko) Lemon juice (for anti‑browning treatment) Parchment paper Zip‑lock freezer bags or rigid freezer containers Preparation Step 1. Select firm, late‑season apples. Wash them thoroughly and dry completely — any surface moisture will turn the pieces into an icy block. Step 2. Peel if desired (the skin holds more vitamins but can be intrusive in delicate pastries). Remove the core and seeds in every case. Step 3. Cut the fruit into even slices or cubes. Uniform pieces freeze and thaw more predictably, which preserves the texture of the final dish.