There is a number of key do's and don'ts when choosing and purchasing your Batlow apples;

• The most important thing to look for when buying your apples is the Batlow Fruit Co-operative sticker. (Example shown right)
• Don't settle for any other sticker and beware of imitations-only fruit with the green Batlow sticker comes from Australia's best orchards and has gone through the best growing, picking and packing process in Australia.
• Always look for firm, smooth skinned apples that are free of bruises and gouges.
• A scald, which looks like a dry brown patch on the skin of the apple, does not affect the eating quality or shelf life.
• When buying your apples, always look for fruit that has a fresh smell. A musty smell is a sign that the apples are past their best quality.

Always remember that Australia has a large number of apple varieties, all with their own distinctive characteristics and flavours. Excellent eating apples are not necessarily only those that are highly red in colour. Many of the newer varieties in their prime eating condition do not have a full red colour; some may even have a little russet or sunburn, but these external appearances do not affect the excellent flavour.

Storing your Batlow Apples

The best way to keep your Batlow Apples fresh and crisp is to keep them cool. Apples can keep for up to three weeks in the crisper compartment of your fridge, but you need to put them in a plastic bag away from all of your vegetables. Many people believe it's best to keep apples in the fruit bowl, but apples left out of the fridge can deteriorate ten times faster than those kept inside!

If you do not keep your apples in the fridge make sure you eat them within a few days of purchase.