Since it’s apple season, how about this question: Should you refrigerate apples to keep them fresh—what do the growers have to say? Martha Stewart did her research and passed on the answer to this question. Here’s what we need to know so our apples are always crisp, juicy, and sweet.

It’s a very good question, too. Because no matter your favorite type, or whether you bought it at the grocery store, farmers market, or a local orchard, apples just won't maintain that optimal state unless they are stored properly.

Generally, apples should be kept in a cool, dry, shaded place. But there are some storage variables. For instance:

House atmosphere is key: It all depends on how warm or humid it is in your home.

Time and place is also key: You want to consider how long you want to store them and where and how you store other vegetables. For example, apples can last up to 10 months in a low-temperature root cellar.

Then there’s the countertop vs. the refrigerator crisper drawer question. In the short term, your countertop is just fine. You’ll eat them before they have a chance to get dry and mushy. But for longer term storage (say a couple weeks), the crisper drawer is best.

Finally, I’ll close with this last bit of fresh-apple advice. Wherever you choose to store them, it’s important to keep apples away from other fruits. Apples release the gaseous hormone ethylene, which will cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen faster, especially if the apples themselves are bruised or overripe. And if you don't want to encourage the ripening of other produce, store apples as follows:

• In a plastic tub or a bag in the fridge.
• In their own produce drawer in the refrigerator,
• In a separate fruit bowl, away from other fruits, or in a paper bag, on the countertop.

Lastly, here are some ideas for tasty ways to jazz up that crisp, juicy, sweet raw apple. These suggestions come from www.eatingwell.com and they are good! The folks at my house really like the almond butter with orange marmalade. Try ‘em out and let us know what you like.

Peanut butter, almond slices, chocolate chips.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Almond Butter + Orange Marmalade.

Plain Yogurt + Honey + Cinnamon.

Cream Cheese + Sweet Pickle Relish.

Ricotta + Lemon Zest + Chopped Pistachios.

Balsamic Vinegar + Brown Sugar + Ground Pepper.

Berry Vinaigrette + Walnuts.

Arugula + Bacon.