Learn how to keep apples from turning brown with a simple trick that keeps them fresh and crisp for hours, plus no lemon juice needed for this prevention method!
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Once cut, apples start to brown when an enzyme in the flesh reacts with oxygen in the air. While this doesn’t make them unsafe to eat, it does make them look less appealing and can cause the texture to soften over time.
Knowing how to keep apples from turning brown means you can slice them ahead for snacks, pack them in lunch boxes, or prep them for apple desserts, fruit salads, or a caramel apple bar without worrying they’ll lose their crisp, juicy texture. The good news is that I have found an easy way to slow oxidation and keep apples fresh and vibrant for hours.
The Best Way to Prevent Apples from Browning
My favorite method is using salt water! It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t alter the flavor like lemon juice can. Here is a quick overview:
Mix ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of cold water, soak the apple slices for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse lightly. The salt forms a barrier that helps prevent browning while keeping the apples firm and juicy for hours.
How to Keep Apple Slices from Turning Brown
In a bowl, combine 2 cups room-temperature tap water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let salt dissolve.
Slice the apples into wedges and cover them with the salt water for 5 minutes.
Drain cut apples in a colander (no need to rinse) to remove any lingering hint of salt then place in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pat dry before snacking on or using to dip.
I promise you won’t taste the salt and they will stay fresh for hours up to even overnight!
Other Apple Treatment Methods to Prevent Browning
While salt water is the best way to prevent cut apples from browning for a longer amount of time, there are a few other methods I have used over the years!
- Lemon water. A common method is to use lemon juice to prevent apples from turning brown as citric-acid is a natural antioxidant. Add 1 Tablespoon lemon juice to a cup of water and soak apples. This method works best if using apples within a few hours.
- Citric acid. Citric acid isn’t something I often have in my pantry, so this method is one that I use least often. It will keep your apples fresh and crisp up to 8 hours but does leave a tang (think sour candy) on the apples.
- Carbonation: Carbonated drinks such as lemon-lime soda or ginger also contain citric acid. Soak in beverage of choice for a few minutes. Enjoy as is if you love the added flavor from the drinks or rinse and enjoy within a few hours.
- Sweetened water. If you love a sweeter taste to your apples, soak apples in 1 cup of water with 1 Tablespoon of honey. No need to rinse the honey water but I would plan to use them within a few hours.
- Plastic wrap. If you are in a hurry and prefer to not soak apples, you can wrap apple slices tightly with plastic wrap. I don’t find this method particularly helpful for long term storage but could be a quick fix.
More ways to use sliced apples include include French apple tart and apple turnovers.
Apple Recipes to Try
How to Keep Apples from Turning Brown
Ingredients
- 2 cups room temperature water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 apples
Instructions
- Dissolve salt in water: Combine 2 cups room-temperature water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let salt dissolve.
- Slice apples: Slice the apples into wedges and cover them with the salt water for 5 minutes.
- Drain and store in refrigerator: Drain the apples place in an airtight container (lined with a paper towel) in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pat dry before serving so the sauces and toppings will stick better.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Gayle
I have wasted lemon juice way too often only to be disappointed in browning apples. Your salt water idea is cheap and practical! I’m ready to try it tomorrow!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you found the apple tip helpful!