Fall is in the air, and nothing says cozy season like fresh apples, whether they’re in a salad, served as a snack, or used to decorate one of your favorite Dutch Apron® Bakery desserts. But, let’s be honest, sliced apples have a sneaky way of browning faster than you can say “apple pie”. Why?
Apples contain a natural enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which reacts with air and causes discoloration. While brown apples are still safe to eat, they’re not always the most appealing. Luckily, there are simple, foolproof ways to slow down the browning process. You probably already have at least one of these ingredients in your pantry!
7 Easy Ways to Keep Your Apples Fresh
1. Salt Water
This one is super simple and effective. Just stir a pinch of salt into some water, soak your apple slices for about five minutes, then drain. If you like, you can then rinse the apple slices with fresh water. Salt acts like a natural preservative and helps those slices stay crisp and fresh.
2. Citric Acid
Citric acid isn’t just for canning or seasoning; it’s perfect for keeping apples looking fresh. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon directly on your slices then rinse with water. The tartness can be strong, so this method works best when the apples are going into baked or cooked recipes.
3. Honey Water
Honey and water create a natural anti-browning solution thanks to a special chemical in honey. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 cup of water, soak your apple slices for five minutes, then drain and rinse. The honey coats the apples and slows browning naturally which keeps your apple slices fresh and sweet!
4. Lemon Juice
No pantry staples? No problem. A quick squeeze of lemon over freshly sliced apples can help slow browning thanks to its high acidity. This is a great “in-a-pinch” method for a snack or a quick prep for salads.
5. Cold Water
Sometimes, the simplest option is all you need. Toss your apple slices in a bowl of cold water while you finish prepping. It won’t keep them fresh for hours, but it’s perfect when you’re planning to add it to your favorite desserts, like Dutch Apron® Bakery’s famous Pumpkin Cake Roll (which pairs beautifully with a spiced apple topping).
6. Lemon-Lime Soda
It might sound surprising, but lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale) can also slow discoloration. The citric acid in the soda works similarly to lemon juice. Just soak the slices for five minutes and drain. It’s a fun, last-minute trick that kids especially love.
7. Rubber Band Technique
Here’s a quirky but effective method: slice your apple then reassemble it into its original shape. Wrap a rubber band around the apple to keep it together and limit exposure to air. It’s simple, clever, and surprisingly effective.
The Bottom Line
Apples might brown quickly, but with a few simple tricks, you can keep them looking as crisp and delicious as the moment you sliced them. Whether you go with lemon juice, honey water, or the quirky rubber band hack, you’ll never have to settle for sad-looking apple slices again.
Want more baking tips and tricks? Follow Dutch Apron® Bakery for all the latest recipe trends and kitchen techniques that are guaranteed to add a little extra sweetness to your life.
About the Author:
Katelyn Helgevold has been the Product Line Manager and editor for Dutch Apron® Bakery since 2019. In her role, she manages the introduction of new products to our portfolio, ensures each and every item meets our strict customer and quality standards, and uses her much-loved English degree to make sure every marketing piece is just as immaculate as our baked goods. In her spare time, Katelyn enjoys touting the benefits of the Oxford comma, spending time with her cat Merlin, and listening to way too many true crime podcasts.
