How Do You Stop Sliced Apples From Turning Brown
Ah, the humble apple. The reliable snack, the classic pie filler, the forbidden fruit that got us all into this mess. But here's the real head-scratcher - how do you keep apples from getting brown? It's not like we all have time to slice apples and eat them in one swift, well-coordinated motion. No, we need answers, and we need them now. So, buckle up, friend, as I share the foolproof way to keep apples from getting brown!
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Why Keeping Sliced Apples on Hand Is a Good Idea
Let's be honest; having sliced apples on hand is the perfect snack-time solution. Sweet, sour, crunchy, filling and so good for you! It's the snack equivalent of a high-five to your health and tastebuds. But here's the plot twist: sliced apples can be a ticking time bomb, ready to turn into brown and sad faster than you can say "an apple a day."
So, you've just taken the time to meal prep and snack prep so you are ready to make great decisions and save time throughout the week. But then you peel an apple, expose its flesh to the oxygen in the air, and voilà – you've just initiated the browning process. Blame it on enzymes. Enzymes in apples, like polyphenol oxidase, react with oxygen, and the result is the notorious brown pigment. Nature reminds us that nothing lasts forever, not even a perfectly sliced Honey Crisp apple.
But fear not, for we have some tricks up our sleeves on how to keep apples from getting brown after peeling them!
How do you stop sliced apples from turning brown?
Trust me when I tell you I’ve tested citric acid, lemon water, lemon juice, plain water, and even honey water. But the clear way to keep apples from getting brown was….
Salt Water!
You heard me, the way to keep apples from getting brown is a basic kitchen ingredient salt and water! We had the solution all along. Salt water is the secret ingredient in how you stop sliced apples from turning brown!
Step 1: Channel your inner chemist and mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of water.
Step 2: Immerse your apple slices in this salty concoction for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Fish them out, pat them dry, and watch as your apples defy the laws of nature. No, seriously, it works. The saltwater bath slows down the oxidation process, keeping your apple slices fresh, crisp, and delicious. The salt flavor is very mild on the surface of the apple—in testing, one taster didn't even notice it. The good news is that a quick rinse under cold running water completely washes away any traces of salt, leaving you with a fresh-tasting, picture-perfect apple. Store in an air-tight container, and they will last days in the refrigerator!
Ways to Enjoy Sliced Apples
images from Eating Well
Congratulations, you've successfully thwarted the apple's plan to turn into a brown, unappetizing mess. Now, what do you do with your pristine, non-browning apple slices? Fear not, because we've got some delicious ideas for you.
Peanut Butter Palooza: Slather those slices with peanut butter for a protein-packed snack that will make your taste buds dance.
Cheese and Apple Tango: Pair your apple slices with a sharp cheddar or brie for a sophisticated yet effortless snack.
Yogurt Fiesta: Dip your slices in yogurt and add a sprinkle of granola for a wholesome treat that feels like a guilty pleasure.
Caramel Carnival: Drizzle some caramel on your apple slices – because life is too short to skip dessert.
Almond Butter + Orange Marmalade
Ricotta + Lemon Zest + Chopped Pistachios
Balsamic Vinegar + Brown Sugar + Ground Pepper
Arugula + Bacon
Or Make this Caramel Apple Dip!
8 ounces cream cheese softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine ingredients and store in the refrigerator
How Do You Stop Sliced Apples From Turning Brown? Conclusion:
And there you have it – the ultimate guide to keep apples from browning. We've unraveled the mysteries of oxidation, exposed the culprits, and armed you with the mighty power of salt water. Now it's your turn. How do you keep your apple slices looking as fresh as a morning dew? Share your wisdom in the comments below, and let's build a fortress against the relentless march of brown apples together!
How Do You Stop Sliced Apples From Turning Brown?
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix about 3/4 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water. (i make 2 cups for 2 apples)
- Immerse your apple slices in this salty concoction for 15 minutes.
- Drain
- The salt flavor is very mild on the apple's surface—in testing, tasters didn't even notice it. The good news is that a quick rinse under cold running water washes away any traces of salt, but I don't bother with the rinse.
- Store in an air-tight container, and they will last days in the refrigerator!
Notes
Ways to enjoy sliced apples:
- Peanut Butter Palooza: Slather those slices with peanut butter for a protein-packed snack that will make your taste buds dance.
- Cheese and Apple Tango: Pair your apple slices with a sharp cheddar or brie for a sophisticated yet effortless snack.
- Yogurt Fiesta: Dip your slices in yogurt and add a sprinkle of granola for a wholesome treat that feels like a guilty pleasure.
- Caramel Carnival: Drizzle some caramel on your apple slices – because life is too short to skip dessert.
- Almond Butter + Orange Marmalade
- Ricotta + Lemon Zest + Chopped Pistachios
- Balsamic Vinegar + Brown Sugar + Ground Pepper
- Arugula + Bacon
Nutrition varies based on ingredients added