How To Keep Apple Slices From Turning Brown?

Short answer: To prevent apple slices from browning, immerse them in a solution of one tablespoon of lemon juice and one cup of water for five minutes. Afterward, drain, rinse, and store in a resealable bag in the fridge.

You’ve likely noticed when an apple is cut open or bitten into; the crisp, white flesh quickly turns brown. This reaction is known as enzymatic browning, a natural process occurring in fruits and vegetables when exposed to oxygen. It’s not harmful, but it can make the fruit look less appetizing. You can keep apples from turning brown by immersing them in a solution of water and lemon juice. 

Why Do Sliced Apples Turn Brown From the Outside?

When an apple is sliced or bitten into, the cells of the apple’s flesh are damaged and exposed to oxygen in the air. This triggers an enzyme in the apple, known as polyphenol oxidase, to react with certain substances in the apple and convert them into what we see as a brown pigment, a process called enzymatic browning. This process is a natural defense mechanism in many fruits and vegetables to protect them from insects and bacteria after they’ve been damaged. This browning doesn’t affect the taste or nutritional value of the apple, but it does affect its appearance, making it look less appealing to eat.

How To Keep Apple Slices From Turning Brown?

The Lemon Water Method:

Step 1: Prepare a mixture of one tablespoon of lemon juice and one cup (240 milliliters) of water in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add your apple pieces to the bowl.
Step 3: Soak the apple pieces in the mixture for three to five minutes.
Step 4: Drain them and rinse them off with cool water.

The Saltwater Solution:

Step 1: Prepare a saltwater mixture: one teaspoon of salt for every two cups of water.
Step 2: Slice up your apples and add them right into the saltwater.
Step 3: Soak the apple slices for about five minutes.

The Pineapple Juice Preservation:

This is a particularly flavorful method that involves using the acidity and delicious taste of pineapple juice to keep your apple slices from turning brown.

Step 1: Prepare your apples: Start by thoroughly washing your apples. Cut them into wedges or slices based on your preference.

Step 2: Soak in Pineapple Juice: Place the apple slices into a container that’s large enough to hold both the slices and the pineapple juice. The exact amount of juice you’ll need will depend on how many apples you’re using, but ensure that there is enough to cover the slices completely. Pineapple juice contains a certain level of acidity, which works to halt the enzymatic process leading to browning.

Step 3: Refrigerate: Once the apple slices are completely immersed in the pineapple juice, cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. This serves two purposes: it keeps the apples fresh and it also slows down the oxidation process, further preventing the slices from browning.

Honey Water Method: 

The natural properties of honey can also be used to keep your apple slices looking crisp and fresh. Here’s how you can use honey water to prevent your apples from turning brown:

Step 1: Prepare Honey Water: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Honey contains an acid that slows down the oxidation process, which is what causes your apples to turn brown.

Step 2: Soak the Apple Slices: Cut your apples into your desired size of slices. Then, place the apple slices into the bowl of honey water, making sure that all the slices are fully submerged.

Step 3: Let them Soak: Allow the apple slices to soak in the honey water for about 10 minutes. This gives the honey water enough time to coat the slices and slow down the enzymatic browning process.

Step 4: Rinse and Store: After soaking, rinse the apple slices under cool water to remove any excess honey water. This step is optional and depends on whether or not you want a hint of honey flavor on your apples. Once rinsed, you can store the apple slices in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them.

Using this honey water method, you can effectively keep your apple slices fresh and appetizing, with the added benefit of a subtle honey flavor. It’s a simple and natural solution to prevent browning.

FAQs

Why does salt prevent apples from browning?

Salt draws out moisture from the apple’s surface and slows down oxidation, the process responsible for browning.

Will apple slices turn brown in a zip-lock bag?

If not treated with a preservative solution (like lemon water or saltwater), apple slices can still turn brown in a zip-lock bag due to exposure to the air inside the bag.

Can you cook apples to prevent browning?

Yes, cooking apples can prevent browning as the heat destroys the enzymes that cause the browning.

Can you slice apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can slice apples ahead of time. Use one of the preservation methods mentioned above to prevent them from turning brown.

How do restaurants keep apples from turning brown?

Restaurants often use commercial-grade anti-browning agents. But they might also use simple methods similar to the ones mentioned above.

What chemical is used to preserve apples?

A commonly used chemical is ascorbic acid (vitamin C), often in conjunction with other substances like citric acid and salts.

Conclusion

Keeping apple slices from turning brown doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you use a lemon juice solution, saltwater, or even lemon-lime soda, these methods can effectively halt the enzymatic browning process and maintain the appealing, fresh look of your apple slices. Remember, it’s crucial to store the slices correctly if not consumed immediately. Use these easy techniques to ensure that your apple slices stay as crisp and appetizing as when they were freshly cut.

Key Points

• The browning of apple slices is due to enzymatic oxidation.
• To keep apple slices from turning brown, you can use a variety of methods such as soaking in lemon water, salt water, pineapple juice, or lemon-lime soda.
• It’s crucial to store apple slices properly in a resealable bag and keep them in the fridge if not consumed immediately.
• Salt prevents apples from browning by drawing out moisture and slowing down oxidation.
• Cooking can prevent apples from browning by destroying the enzymes causing the reaction.
• Brown apples are safe to eat, though their texture and flavor might be slightly changed.