There’s nothing worse than grabbing your prepped apple slices for your brunch fruit platter to see the same thing; rendering them relatively useless. Luckily there are several ways to stop apple slices from browning.
These tips and tricks will help keep your slices crisp and fresh and just as appetising as when you first cut them.
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Why do apples brown?
The browning process starts when the inner flesh of an apple is exposed to air. This reaction, known as enzymatic browning, occurs because of an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase. Once the apple is cut or bruised, oxygen triggers the enzyme to produce brown pigments, which not only change the fruit’s appearance but also affect the taste and texture.
If you’ve ever wondered why some fruits—like apples, pears, and bananas—brown so quickly, it’s all thanks to this natural oxidation process. The good news? You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment to keep your apples looking their best.
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Simple ways to stop apple slices from browning
1. The saltwater trick
The easiest and most effective solution I’ve found is a quick saltwater soak. All you need to do is mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of cold water, soak the apple slices for about 10 minutes, and drain them well. Before serving, you can rinse them lightly with fresh water to remove any salty taste.
What makes this method a winner? Even after rinsing, the apples resist browning for hours. It’s my go-to trick when I’m preparing fruit platters or packing snacks in advance.
2. Plain water works too
If you’re in a pinch, simply submerging the slices in water helps slow down the browning process by keeping oxygen out. Just make sure the apples are fully covered—placing a paper towel on top can help push them under the water. However, this method works best for short periods, around 15 to 30 minutes, as apples can become mushy if left soaking too long.
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3. Lemon water
You might have heard that adding lemon juice to water helps prevent browning. While it’s true that the acid in lemons slows oxidation, I’ve found that it also leaves the apples with a noticeable citrusy flavour. If you like a bit of tang, this might work for you. But if you’re looking to preserve the apple’s natural taste, I’d stick to the saltwater method.
I love enjoying apple slices as an afternoon snack, and I’ve learned that a quick soak in saltwater keeps them looking fresh even by the end of the day.
So, the next time you’re slicing apples, skip the stress of browning. A quick dip in saltwater will do the trick—keeping your fruit fresh and photo-ready for any occasion. It’s a simple solution that works every time, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never come back!
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A version of this article was first written by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs for Food&Home.
