Probably the best storage conditions available to the home gardener are to keep the fruits in a plastic bag in a refrigerator.
Close the bag loosely or punch one or two small holes in it for slow air exchange.
The plastic bag will prevent dehydration of the fruits.
Cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and summer apples have short storage lives even under ideal conditions.
Fall apples and pears have somewhat longer storage lives.
Of the fruits that store well, only those that mature in late fall, such as apples and pears, should be considered for home storage.
The other kinds of fruits should be stored for short periods of time only, or preserved for winter use by canning, freezing, or drying.
Allow the fruit to reach the firm-ripe stage on the tree. It should be slightly soft, golden yellow, and easily separated from the stem. Fruit that is to be dried should first ripen fully on the tree. Apricots keep for about three weeks if stored in cool temperatures (40˚ to 50˚ F).
