It’s not lemon juice…
Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Soaking: 10 mins
Total: 12 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 apple
Brown apples. They’re not bad apples, but they’re less than great. To overcome oxidation condemnation, let’s first define what oxidation is, as well as some basic principles on how to prevent it.
Why Do Apples Turn Brown When Cut?
As the name implies, oxidation begins when oxygen comes into contact with a plant’s cells (actually, many materials go through oxidation but let’s stay on topic). Oxidation has a damaging effect on plants, which explains the brown color and shriveled texture an apple takes on after it has been sliced. So, this is how oxidation happens, but how can it be counteracted?
How To Prevent Oxidation
Many substances with an acidic pH are effective antioxidants. Salt also slows oxidation. Lastly and most simply, safeguarding apple slices from excess light and oxygen help immensely. In fact, proper storage is a “must” for preserving apple slices, and can be used in conjunction with any of the methods outlined below.
Lemon Juice Isn’t It
Now, perhaps you’ve heard that soaking apple slices in a lemon water solution is a good way to slow oxidation. While theoretically this makes sense given the acidic pH of lemon juice, I found this solution to be no more effective than plain water at preventing browning. So, if you’re prioritizing simplicity above all, I recommend just using plain water. This method works because the apple slices are submerged, protecting them from oxygen.
Another effective method is to use a honey water solution. Honey has an acidic pH and is a natural preservative (remember it’s nearly impossible for honey to “go bad”), so it does a bang-up job at preserving the color of freshly cut apples. The only drawback is that real honey is expensive, though you could always choose to recycle the honey water in a lemonade or other tasty drink.
The Best Way To Keep Apples From Turning Brown
Now that I've detailed the basics of oxidation and discussed two methods to slow it down, I'll reveal my favorite method for preventing apples from turning brown: soaking the apple slices in a salt water solution. Using salt water isn’t just effective, it’s also incredibly affordable and simple. In fact, I found that apple slices remained solid white for hours post salt water soak. What’s more, a quick rinse easily removes any salty aftertaste.
Below, I'll explain how to prepare and use a salt water solution, and provide you with other useful tips to keep apples looking as crisp and fresh as the moment you sliced them.
Quick Tips for Preventing Apples From Turning Brown
- Keep apple slices away from air—Once sliced and treated in a solution, store the apple slices in airtight conditions to avoid excess exposure to oxygen.
- A cool, dark place—Keep the apple slices in a cold (but not freezing), dark environment.
- Cut them larger—Cutting the apples into thicker chunks reduces the surface area that is exposed to air, therefore causing less browning.
- Baking vs. snacking—If using cut apples for baking, keep them in the salt water solution until ready to use them in the recipe. If the apple slices are for snacking, soak them as directed for 10 minutes, then drain, rinse, dry, and pack the slices in a small bag or container.
“If you’re planning a picnic or a car trip, this method will preserve the fruit’s freshness perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised at how well this simple method worked.” —Noah Velush-Rogers
A Note From Our Recipe Tester
Ingredients
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Fine salt, as needed
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Room temperature water, as needed
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1 apple, any kind
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Add 1 teaspoon of salt for every 1 cup of water, stirring to dissolve the salt. Make just enough of the salt water solution so you can fully submerge the apple slices in it.
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Peel (if desired), core, and cut the apple into slices of your desired thickness. Remember, the thicker the slice, the less the apple will brown.
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Soak the apple slices in the salt water for 10 minutes.
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Drain and rinse the apple slices under cool running water, then pat dry.
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The apple slices can be served right away or refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 12 hours.
How To Store Cut-Up Apples
Store in an airtight container or bag in a cool, dark place. The apple slices will maintain their color for at least a few hours. Properly stored, they can last for up to 12 hours.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 95 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 281mg | 12% |
| Total Carbohydrate 25g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 16% |
| Total Sugars 19g | |
| Protein 0g | |
| Vitamin C 8mg | 42% |
| Calcium 11mg | 1% |
| Iron 0mg | 1% |
| Potassium 195mg | 4% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
