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I love to use Apples in my Desserts. They look really delicious when I just make them, but by the time they are consumed as dessert, the apples have all turned brown. and suddenly the dessert doesn't look all that nice anymore. How do I prevent this?
UPDATE:
I remember reading somewhere that dipping apples in lemon juice prevents the oxidation which turns them brown, but this effects the flavor of my recipe. What else can I do?
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Nov 11, 2010 at 6:22
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The fast food chains that sell pre-cut apples in bags use Nitrogen or similar food inert gas. But I can't see this being practical in a normal kitchen
Acid is the answer, try slightly less noticeable acid sources such as fresh (as in you squeezed it) orange or pineapple juice
They should not taint the taste so much if you just lightly brush it on the exposed surfaces, don't soak the apples in it
answered
Nov 11, 2010 at 7:25
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A great place to start is the Scientific American article,
Why do apple slices turn brown after being cut?
The discoloration of apples is caused by
oxidation
, which, in the case of apples, is
actually
caused by oxygen (this is not always the case). Specifically it's caused by an enzyme in the apple caused
polyphenol oxidase
(PPO).
There are many things you can try if you want to prevent this browning:
First,
choose a
type of apple that has lower PPO
. Apples classified as "baking" apples tend to be better for this, although that's not always a reliable indicator. Orin, a Japanese apple, is said to have a mild pineapple flavour and has very low PPO (does not brown easily). Golden Delicious and Granny Smith are also good in this respect. Have a look at this annotated
list of common apple varieties
for more.
The suggestion that most people will give you - to use lemon juice - works for two reasons. One is that lemons are high in antioxidants, which prevent oxidation as the name implies. The other is the acidity; lower pH somewhat inhibits oxidation.
So apply this knowledge; if you're concerned about the taste imparted by lemon juice, understand that almost
all fruits
(except apples) are high in antioxidants and most fruit juices are at least mildly acidic. Choose something that's closer to the taste of apple, or doesn't clash as much; pineapple, grapefruit, or orange juice might be better bets. Some
spices
are also high in antioxidants; if your dessert includes a lot of cinnamon then sprinkle that cinnamon directly onto the apples; it's also a mild antioxidant and will at least slow the browning.
Alternative, you can simply
lower the amount of oxygen available
by either coating with syrup or placing the apples in a sealed (i.e. tupperware) container, or both. This should be fine if the apples are intended as a dessert.
Lastly,
blanching
(boiling) the apples for 5 minutes will basically kill (inactivate) the PPO enzymes which will totally prevent browning - although it'll obviously also soften the apples a whole lot, so whether or not this is viable depends on exactly how you plan to serve them.
answered
Nov 12, 2010 at 20:34
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If you don't want to use lemon or lime juice, you can get a vitamin-c tablet and dissolve it in water. Same effect, only flavorless.
answered
Nov 12, 2010 at 16:45
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Agree with TFD. I usually use a bit of lemon juice and mix the juice with cold water. I think the ratio would be 1 lemon per 1L water.
just dip the apple in the mix for a few seconds and then the apple should last for a long time
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Nov 11, 2010 at 9:38
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You can use acid, such as some lemon juice.
In your baking aisle at the grocery store in the canning area you also may find Ball Fruit Fresh, which provides preservatives.
answered
Nov 11, 2010 at 14:06
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It depends on how long you need to preserve the apples for. If it's only between slicing and serving, just submerge the peeled apples in water. No oxygen, no oxidisation.
Depending on the type of apples you're using, you can keep them submerged for more or less time before they start to get soft & pulpy. Keeping them in the fridge will extend that time, but not indefinitely.
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Jun 7, 2011 at 10:25
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I don't prefer to any of above. Generally people find a way which we can use at glance & easily available at home. I prevent my apple from turning brown by spraying some salt on it. And it works for me very well from very long time!
answered
Dec 28, 2012 at 4:57
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That is it, you need acid to prevent oxidation. The only other possibility would be to prevent air getting to your apples, but if you cover them with some mass you'd probably not see the brown color anyway...
answered
Nov 11, 2010 at 6:59
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# [How to Prevent Apples from turning Brown](https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/9018/how-to-prevent-apples-from-turning-brown)
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I love to use Apples in my Desserts. They look really delicious when I just make them, but by the time they are consumed as dessert, the apples have all turned brown. and suddenly the dessert doesn't look all that nice anymore. How do I prevent this?
**UPDATE:** I remember reading somewhere that dipping apples in lemon juice prevents the oxidation which turns them brown, but this effects the flavor of my recipe. What else can I do?
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asked Nov 11, 2010 at 6:22
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The fast food chains that sell pre-cut apples in bags use Nitrogen or similar food inert gas. But I can't see this being practical in a normal kitchen
Acid is the answer, try slightly less noticeable acid sources such as fresh (as in you squeezed it) orange or pineapple juice
They should not taint the taste so much if you just lightly brush it on the exposed surfaces, don't soak the apples in it
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answered Nov 11, 2010 at 7:25
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Nitrogen tank, here I come\!
bobobobo
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2010-11-11 20:07:18 +00:00
[Commented Nov 11, 2010 at 20:07](https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/9018/how-to-prevent-apples-from-turning-brown#comment9947_9020)
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I was just looking for an excuse to buy a nitrogen tank. Thanks\!
user194
– user194
2010-12-18 22:58:09 +00:00
[Commented Dec 18, 2010 at 22:58](https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/9018/how-to-prevent-apples-from-turning-brown#comment11878_9020)
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I use lemon juice. In most dishes this is fine. Rinse before use if needed.
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2013-01-04 19:56:44 +00:00
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A great place to start is the Scientific American article, [Why do apple slices turn brown after being cut?](http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=experts-why-cut-apples-turn-brown)
The discoloration of apples is caused by [oxidation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidation), which, in the case of apples, is *actually* caused by oxygen (this is not always the case). Specifically it's caused by an enzyme in the apple caused *polyphenol oxidase* (PPO).
There are many things you can try if you want to prevent this browning:
- First, **choose a [type of apple that has lower PPO](http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-1995-0600.ch020)**. Apples classified as "baking" apples tend to be better for this, although that's not always a reliable indicator. Orin, a Japanese apple, is said to have a mild pineapple flavour and has very low PPO (does not brown easily). Golden Delicious and Granny Smith are also good in this respect. Have a look at this annotated [list of common apple varieties](http://www.bellybytes.com/foodfacts/apple_facts.html) for more.
- The suggestion that most people will give you - to use lemon juice - works for two reasons. One is that lemons are high in antioxidants, which prevent oxidation as the name implies. The other is the acidity; lower pH somewhat inhibits oxidation.
So apply this knowledge; if you're concerned about the taste imparted by lemon juice, understand that almost **all fruits** (except apples) are high in antioxidants and most fruit juices are at least mildly acidic. Choose something that's closer to the taste of apple, or doesn't clash as much; pineapple, grapefruit, or orange juice might be better bets. Some **spices** are also high in antioxidants; if your dessert includes a lot of cinnamon then sprinkle that cinnamon directly onto the apples; it's also a mild antioxidant and will at least slow the browning.
- Alternative, you can simply **lower the amount of oxygen available** by either coating with syrup or placing the apples in a sealed (i.e. tupperware) container, or both. This should be fine if the apples are intended as a dessert.
- Lastly, **blanching** (boiling) the apples for 5 minutes will basically kill (inactivate) the PPO enzymes which will totally prevent browning - although it'll obviously also soften the apples a whole lot, so whether or not this is viable depends on exactly how you plan to serve them.
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- According to the most recent Cook's Illustrated, honey will also deactivate the enzyme, which should fit in well with a dessert application.
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If you don't want to use lemon or lime juice, you can get a vitamin-c tablet and dissolve it in water. Same effect, only flavorless.
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- interesting, how does it work?
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@justkt Vitamin C is ascorbic acid, which will kill the oxidixing agents in the apple that causes browning. Using citrus juice does the same thing, which is why most suggestions are for a small amount of lemon or lime juice.
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Agree with TFD. I usually use a bit of lemon juice and mix the juice with cold water. I think the ratio would be 1 lemon per 1L water.
just dip the apple in the mix for a few seconds and then the apple should last for a long time
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You can use acid, such as some lemon juice.
In your baking aisle at the grocery store in the canning area you also may find Ball Fruit Fresh, which provides preservatives.
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It depends on how long you need to preserve the apples for. If it's only between slicing and serving, just submerge the peeled apples in water. No oxygen, no oxidisation.
Depending on the type of apples you're using, you can keep them submerged for more or less time before they start to get soft & pulpy. Keeping them in the fridge will extend that time, but not indefinitely.
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I don't prefer to any of above. Generally people find a way which we can use at glance & easily available at home. I prevent my apple from turning brown by spraying some salt on it. And it works for me very well from very long time\!
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answered Dec 28, 2012 at 4:57
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- What do you mean by "spraying" salt? As in a brine solution in a spray bottle?
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- yes. You can use either brine or salt, which is gonna turn in salt water after some time. Inshort both will prevent the apple from turning brown
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While soaking apples in brine will delay browning, this is a useless suggestion as then the apple is not really usable in a sweet desert, in fact you will have a hard time eating it in anything
TFD
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2012-12-28 20:41:07 +00:00
[Commented Dec 28, 2012 at 20:41](https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/9018/how-to-prevent-apples-from-turning-brown#comment39703_29504)
- Who voted for this? Have you try eating salted sliced apple? Salt can be used to preserve whole apples, but that is an entirely different process
TFD
– [TFD](https://cooking.stackexchange.com/users/3203/tfd "25,463 reputation")
2012-12-28 20:42:30 +00:00
[Commented Dec 28, 2012 at 20:42](https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/9018/how-to-prevent-apples-from-turning-brown#comment39704_29504)
- Who told you to eat salted apple slice. I provided the solution for preventing apple from turning out brown. This solution is quick & easily available at home. I do use this alchemy regularly at home & eat apple slices by washing it..
Foram Mukund Shah
– [Foram Mukund Shah](https://cooking.stackexchange.com/users/14943/foram-mukund-shah "111 reputation")
2012-12-29 04:44:13 +00:00
[Commented Dec 29, 2012 at 4:44](https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/9018/how-to-prevent-apples-from-turning-brown#comment39712_29504)
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That is it, you need acid to prevent oxidation. The only other possibility would be to prevent air getting to your apples, but if you cover them with some mass you'd probably not see the brown color anyway...
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answered Nov 11, 2010 at 6:59
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I love to use Apples in my Desserts. They look really delicious when I just make them, but by the time they are consumed as dessert, the apples have all turned brown. and suddenly the dessert doesn't look all that nice anymore. How do I prevent this?
**UPDATE:** I remember reading somewhere that dipping apples in lemon juice prevents the oxidation which turns them brown, but this effects the flavor of my recipe. What else can I do?
asked Nov 11, 2010 at 6:22
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The fast food chains that sell pre-cut apples in bags use Nitrogen or similar food inert gas. But I can't see this being practical in a normal kitchen
Acid is the answer, try slightly less noticeable acid sources such as fresh (as in you squeezed it) orange or pineapple juice
They should not taint the taste so much if you just lightly brush it on the exposed surfaces, don't soak the apples in it
answered Nov 11, 2010 at 7:25
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A great place to start is the Scientific American article, [Why do apple slices turn brown after being cut?](http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=experts-why-cut-apples-turn-brown)
The discoloration of apples is caused by [oxidation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidation), which, in the case of apples, is *actually* caused by oxygen (this is not always the case). Specifically it's caused by an enzyme in the apple caused *polyphenol oxidase* (PPO).
There are many things you can try if you want to prevent this browning:
- First, **choose a [type of apple that has lower PPO](http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-1995-0600.ch020)**. Apples classified as "baking" apples tend to be better for this, although that's not always a reliable indicator. Orin, a Japanese apple, is said to have a mild pineapple flavour and has very low PPO (does not brown easily). Golden Delicious and Granny Smith are also good in this respect. Have a look at this annotated [list of common apple varieties](http://www.bellybytes.com/foodfacts/apple_facts.html) for more.
- The suggestion that most people will give you - to use lemon juice - works for two reasons. One is that lemons are high in antioxidants, which prevent oxidation as the name implies. The other is the acidity; lower pH somewhat inhibits oxidation.
So apply this knowledge; if you're concerned about the taste imparted by lemon juice, understand that almost **all fruits** (except apples) are high in antioxidants and most fruit juices are at least mildly acidic. Choose something that's closer to the taste of apple, or doesn't clash as much; pineapple, grapefruit, or orange juice might be better bets. Some **spices** are also high in antioxidants; if your dessert includes a lot of cinnamon then sprinkle that cinnamon directly onto the apples; it's also a mild antioxidant and will at least slow the browning.
- Alternative, you can simply **lower the amount of oxygen available** by either coating with syrup or placing the apples in a sealed (i.e. tupperware) container, or both. This should be fine if the apples are intended as a dessert.
- Lastly, **blanching** (boiling) the apples for 5 minutes will basically kill (inactivate) the PPO enzymes which will totally prevent browning - although it'll obviously also soften the apples a whole lot, so whether or not this is viable depends on exactly how you plan to serve them.
answered Nov 12, 2010 at 20:34
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If you don't want to use lemon or lime juice, you can get a vitamin-c tablet and dissolve it in water. Same effect, only flavorless.
answered Nov 12, 2010 at 16:45
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Agree with TFD. I usually use a bit of lemon juice and mix the juice with cold water. I think the ratio would be 1 lemon per 1L water.
just dip the apple in the mix for a few seconds and then the apple should last for a long time
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You can use acid, such as some lemon juice.
In your baking aisle at the grocery store in the canning area you also may find Ball Fruit Fresh, which provides preservatives.
answered Nov 11, 2010 at 14:06
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It depends on how long you need to preserve the apples for. If it's only between slicing and serving, just submerge the peeled apples in water. No oxygen, no oxidisation.
Depending on the type of apples you're using, you can keep them submerged for more or less time before they start to get soft & pulpy. Keeping them in the fridge will extend that time, but not indefinitely.
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I don't prefer to any of above. Generally people find a way which we can use at glance & easily available at home. I prevent my apple from turning brown by spraying some salt on it. And it works for me very well from very long time\!
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That is it, you need acid to prevent oxidation. The only other possibility would be to prevent air getting to your apples, but if you cover them with some mass you'd probably not see the brown color anyway...
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