A common dilemma is that apples often turn unsightly shades of brown after being cut. Some people soak the slices in water mixed with lemon juice, but this can alter the apple’s natural taste, adding a hint of sourness.
For a better solution, try this: Instead of cutting the apple in the usual way, turn it upside down and slice it vertically, avoiding the core. Repeat on the other side, and then place the two halves back together.
Now you have a beautifully sliced apple, with the core removed.
To keep the apple together, simply use a rubber band to hold the slices in place.
Additionally, here are five quick fixes to prevent browning:
Lemon Juice: After peeling and slicing the apple, soak the pieces in a bowl of cold water with a few spoons of lemon juice for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with clean water afterward. The citric acid in lemons is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the apple’s enzymes from reacting with oxygen.
Salt: Peel the apples, cut them into desired sizes, and soak them in a bowl of diluted salt water for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can directly sprinkle a teaspoon of salt over a plate of apples. Salt is a common household ingredient that disrupts enzymes, helping the apples retain their bright color without browning.
Carbonated Water: Similar to lemon juice, carbonated drinks like soda, coke, or ginger ale contain citric acid. Soak the apples in these drinks for 3-5 minutes to prevent oxidation and maintain their white flesh. Rinse with clean water afterward to remove any traces of the drink’s flavor or color.
Plastic Wrap: Apple browning occurs due to oxidation when the fruit is exposed to oxygen in the air. A simple way to prevent this is by tightly wrapping the apple with plastic food wrap after peeling. It’s easier to wrap the apple halves rather than individual slices.
Fruit-Fresh Powder: Another trick to prevent browning is to use fruit-fresh powder, a mixture of citric and ascorbic acid, which is safe for food use. Simply cut the apples, place them on a plate, and sprinkle about half a teaspoon of this powder over the apple slices. This powder can be easily found in the canned goods section of grocery stores.