The Best Way To Keep Your Apples From Turning Brown After Cutting Them

There is nothing better than the taste of a fresh and juicy apple. Whether it's right off the core or smothered with peanut butter, hearing the crunch of a fresh apple is always satisfying. That's why it's so heartbreaking when only minutes after cutting an apple, you find those perfectly pristine slices have turned brown. Don't fret fellow apple lovers. Although you can't fully prevent apples from browning, there are ways to keep them fresher longer. 

The way to slow the browning of apples is to trick the oxidation process that causes it. Oxidation, though it sounds intricate, is pretty simple — the cut surface of an apple turns brown when it is exposed to oxygen. As it turns out, salt is a great way to counter balance the oxidation process (via Taste of Home). Who knew that the secret ingredient that makes coffee taste better could also help save apples? Place your perfectly cut up apple in a bowl of salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup cold water) and let it soak for 10 minutes before serving. If you're planning ahead and won't be eating the apples right away, be sure to place them in an airtight container after the salt water bath until it's time to eat. Apples and salt may not sound like a great combination, but if you remember to wash the apples before you eat them, you'll be just fine.

If you can't get over the thought of salt on your apples, don't worry, you have other options that might sound tastier. Another trick to keep your apples from turning brown is to take 1/2 teaspoon of honey, mix it with 1 cup of water, and soak the apple slices for five minutes. Rinse and eat, or seal up for later. Ta-da, no brown apples.  

Some chefs may recommend adding a little acidity to apples in order to keep them fresh. Cut your apple slices and toss them in either lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice. Some suggest vinegar, but again, that combination may not sit well with you, so you decide which option is best. 

Lastly, if you're using your apples to add a little flavor to a light lunch option like a delicious kale salad, try this little trick. Instead of placing your apples directly on the salad when you pack your lunch, put them in a separate container with some vinaigrette dressing. Then, when it's time to eat, pour the dressing and apples onto the salad and enjoy.

There you have it. Surefire ways to keep your apples from turning brown.