This Storage Method Will Keep Your Apple Slices From Browning

Maybe you're trying to prepare for your kids' soccer game, or packing a quick on-the-go lunch, a snack for the airplane, or bringing a dish to pass at a friends' house. We've all been there — you cut the apple into perfect, uniform slices, place them on the charcuterie board for later, set them in a Tupperware container, or wherever you're putting them. A few hours later, you're ready to enjoy your perfectly crisp and wonderfully even apple slices, only to find them an unappealing brown color rather than the lovely white flesh you were expecting. 

Suddenly, the snack seems a bit less appetizing, and you're left feeling dejected (okay, maybe not, but you're probably a little bummed). Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can prevent this browning from happening, and it doesn't involve a fancy device bought from the store or a newfound chemical you can buy online. These techniques are surprisingly simple.

If you're trying to prepare your apple slices for a later event and want them pre-sliced but not browned, you can store them with the core after you slice them. According to Eat This, Not That!, you should "use an apple slicer to create wedges, then press the fruit back into one piece. Hold it in place with a rubber band or two, or wrap with plastic wrap and come lunchtime, you'll notice little to no brown bites." 

If you don't want to or don't have an apple slicer to use, you can also try some of the tricks in this Mashed article, which include squeezing some citrus juice (like lemon or lime) onto the slices to prevent oxidation, or creating a mixture of honey and water to soak the slices in for a few minutes before storing them. There are plenty of ways to avoid the issue of browning apple slices!