Caramel apples are the most popular product at Apple Tree
Chocolate in Norman, Oklahoma. With experience producing nearly 50,000 caramel
apples each year, Owner, and RCI member, Scotty Jackson, shares tips for making
caramel apples last.
If your recipe is solid, and you aren’t experiencing any
cold flow or separation, then your caramel should last for months on end.
Unfortunately, the apple, itself, will not.
To extend the shelf life of the apples, there are two
critical steps: removing the wax from the apple and ensuring the caramel
adheres properly. The wax must be removed to allow the caramel to stick. Some
use a mixture of 4 parts water to 1 part apple cider vinegar, but Apple Tree
Chocolate prefers an antimicrobial wash from Sysco Foods. After washing, the
apples are wiped down and allowed to air dry overnight. Regardless, it’s a step
you cannot afford to skip. Caramel may stick at first, but without removing the
wax it will start slipping away after 24-48 hours.
The shelf life of the apples is also subject to the time of
year, due to the humidity levels and average temperature in-store—which is
naturally cooler in the winter months. The shelf life of caramel apples also
varies with the seasons. During the summer in Oklahoma, Apple Tree Chocolates’
caramel apples typically last 7 to 8 days after washed, while in winter, they
can last up to 10 days
Managing inventory effectively is crucial; using the
"first-in-first-out" method helps ensure freshness. If an apple isn’t
up to your standard or nearing the end of its shelf life, consider cutting it
up and offering it up as a sample to customers, providing a sweet treat for
shoppers and potentially increasing sales.
3 Tips for Extending Shelf Life
- Remove the Wax
Wash apples the night before dipping in caramel and allow to air dry. Washing more than 24 hours in advance is not recommended.
- Stick the Apples
This step should be done towards the end of preparation. If you do this a day early then your clock starts a day early.
- Check the Humidity
Apples are best kept in environments with 25% to 40% humidity. During warmer months, caramel may need to be cooked a bit longer. During fall and winter, the ideal cooking temperature at Apple Tree is around 237°F, but during an especially rainy spring, or a typical summer month, they will cook caramel to approximately 241°F. Testing for a soft ball consistency can help ensure the caramel is properly cooked.
If you’re interested in learning more about all things
caramel, attend RCI’s Fall Regional Conference September 16-18, 2024. Experience
an EduTour at Bomboy's Home Made Candy, plus more education and demonstrations
to help you refine your caramel recipes and develop new and unique varieties.
Additionally, tour two Baltimore-based candy companies and take part in a
hands-on caramel apple demonstration. Register
by August 23, 2024 for discounted rates.
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