🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 37 (from laksa062)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa037.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/","crawl_time":1775817557,"first_indexed_time":1693260498,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,countryliving!www,\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/ s443","src_root_hash":"9449831723465309637","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What's the Best Way to Keep Apples from Browning? We Tried 3 Ways","meta_descriptions":["This is now our go-to for keeping cut apples looking fresh."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Natalia Ganelin\n\/\/\nGetty Images\nJump to:\nWhy Do Apples Turn Brown?\nThe Results\nMethod One: Lemon Juice\nMethod Two: Honey Water\nMethod Three: Salt\nFinal Thoughts\nCome fall, I can't get enough of apple season. Whether I'm planning a weekend apple picking (these are\nour favorite places around the US\nto do it!) or simply grabbing some fun varieties (\nlike these\n) from my farmers' market, I've got plenty of fresh apples on the counter, and in the fridge, all season long.\nI put them in my kids' lunch boxes. I slice them up and tuck them into sandwiches and salads, and of course I cook with them—everything from homemade pies to\nSeared Sausage with Cabbage and Apples\n.\nRelated:\n40 Recipes That'll Use Your Apple-Picking Haul\nMy youngest daughter loves to have her school-lunch apples cored, sliced and ready for her to eat. And I love to make her a lunch that she'll eat! But there's a problem: browning. She won't eat apples if they've started to brown, and I don't blame her.\nMost apple slices will eventually turn brown, though some apples brown easier than others. And while it doesn't necessarily affect the taste, it's certainly off-putting to open a lunch box and find sad-looking apple slices staring back up at you.\nWhy Do Apples Turn Brown?\nIn short: they oxidize!\nThe same way iron rusts, apples brown when the flesh comes into contact with oxygen. Apples aren't made of metal, of course, but they have\nenzymes that react with the oxygen\n.\nGenerally, to keep an apple from browning you need to either lower the Ph (which means adding something acid) or to cover it in some way, in order to prevent oxygen from reaching the surface.\nChristopher Michel\nAfter searching the internet for anti-browning methods, I decided to try three different ways to treat the sliced apples.\nSalt water (1 teaspoon salt per cup of water)\nHoney water (1 tablespoon honey per cup of water)\nLemon juice (about 1 tablespoon: enough to cover the apple slices)\nI picked these three because they are relatively easy, they use ingredients most people have, and they sound kind of tasty.\nWhile there are other methods that people recommend, they either seem unappetizing (like covering the apple in vinegar, or olive oil), or they use unusual ingredients (like citric acid).\nThese were the three I thought most people might actually use.\nChristopher Michel\nThe Results\nDon't want to read all about the methodology and results? No worries! Here's the important bit:\nEvery one of these methods worked fine\nfor several hours, more than long enough for a lunch.\nBut the salt water not only worked best, it also changed the taste the least\n. Read on to learn what happened.\nChristopher Michel\nMethod One: Lemon Juice\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then squeezed the juice from about 1\/2 a lemon over it in a bowl. I tossed the apple slices around to coat, and then checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\nResults\n: After 8 solid hours in the air, this apple was not brown at all (as shown in the photo), and it had stayed relatively crisp. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly lemony and tart.\nChristopher Michel\nMethod Two: Honey Water\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off slightly and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\nResults:\nAfter 5 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 6 a small amount of browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly sweet, with a mild honey flavor.\nChristopher Michel\nMethod Three: Salt\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\nResults:\nAfter 6 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 7 some browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly.\nBites tasted just like an untreated apple\n.\nFinal Thoughts\nThough the lemon juice resisted browning the longest, I have now started using the salt method when packing my kids' lunches. It keeps the apples from browning for more than long enough, and it doesn't impart any taste on the apples themselves.\nHowever, I'd happily recommend any of these three methods. Though the lemon juice tends to cover up the flavor of the apple, it still tastes very good (like a tart apple, such as Granny Smith) and the honey gives it a sweetness that is also very tasty. No matter which method you use, you'll win!","attrs_markdown":"[![Search](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/search.f1c199c.svg)Search](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/search\/)\n\n![Close](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/close.38e3324.svg)\n***\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/shop.countryliving.com\/country-living-all-access-membership-2999.html?cds_tracking_code=clg_panelnav)\n- [My Bookmarks](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/my-stuff\/)\n- [Member Exclusives](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/country-club\/)\n- [Country Life](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/life\/)\n- [Holiday & Entertaining](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/entertaining\/)\n- [Food & Drinks](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/)\n- [Kids & Pets](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/life\/kids-pets\/)\n- [Design Ideas](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/home-design\/)\n- [Real 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[More](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/)\n\n![fresh apples on red plate](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/fresh-apples-on-red-plate-royalty-free-image-1720713805.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.677xh;0,0.195xh&resize=1120:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/fresh-apples-on-red-plate-royalty-free-image-1720713805.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nNatalia Ganelin\/\/Getty Images\n\n1. [Recipes](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/)\n2. [We Tried 3 Ways to Keep Apples from Browning—One Worked MUCH Better](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/)\n# We Tried 3 Ways to Keep Apples from Browning—One Worked MUCH Better\nThis is now our go-to for keeping cut apples looking fresh.\n\nBy [Christopher Michel](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/author\/225288\/christopher-michel\/ \"Christopher Michel\")\n\nUpdated: Jul 11, 2024\n\n![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%2523000000)\n\n![Open share options](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/sharing.89c15b8.svg)\n\n![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/chat-text-regular.fbcc23c.svg?primary=%2523000000)1\n\n## Jump to:\n- [Why Do Apples Turn Brown?](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#why-do-apples-turn-brown)\n- [The Results](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#the-results)\n- [Method One: Lemon Juice](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#method-one-lemon-juice)\n- [Method Two: Honey Water](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#method-two-honey-water)\n- [Method Three: Salt](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#method-three-salt)\n- [Final Thoughts](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#final-thoughts)\n\nCome fall, I can't get enough of apple season. Whether I'm planning a weekend apple picking (these are [our favorite places around the US](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/life\/travel\/g2623\/apple-picking\/) to do it!) or simply grabbing some fun varieties ([like these](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/g1011\/best-apples-for-cooking-0910\/)) from my farmers' market, I've got plenty of fresh apples on the counter, and in the fridge, all season long.\n\nI put them in my kids' lunch boxes. I slice them up and tuck them into sandwiches and salads, and of course I cook with them—everything from homemade pies to [Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Apples](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a23336101\/seared-sausage-with-cabbage-and-pink-lady-apples-recipe\/).\n\n**Related: [40 Recipes That'll Use Your Apple-Picking Haul](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/g650\/apple-recipes\/)**\n\nMy youngest daughter loves to have her school-lunch apples cored, sliced and ready for her to eat. And I love to make her a lunch that she'll eat! But there's a problem: browning. She won't eat apples if they've started to brown, and I don't blame her.\n\nMost apple slices will eventually turn brown, though some apples brown easier than others. And while it doesn't necessarily affect the taste, it's certainly off-putting to open a lunch box and find sad-looking apple slices staring back up at you.\n\n## More Great Stories from Country Living\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/gettyimages-1381041712-1-662a6b2455726.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0.00721xh&resize=300:*)How to Freeze Bananas: the Easiest Method](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a60604217\/how-to-freeze-bananas\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/blueberries-5-667de3c0144f3.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.334xh;0,0.483xh&resize=300:*)How to Wash and Store Fresh Blueberries](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a61422890\/how-to-clean-wash-blueberries\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/how-to-wash-strawberries-1651680896.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0.180xh&resize=300:*)How to Wash and Store Strawberries](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a39905728\/how-to-wash-strawberries\/)\n## Why Do Apples Turn Brown?\nIn short: they oxidize\\!\n\nThe same way iron rusts, apples brown when the flesh comes into contact with oxygen. Apples aren't made of metal, of course, but they have [enzymes that react with the oxygen](https:\/\/iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/bmb.21083).\n\nGenerally, to keep an apple from browning you need to either lower the Ph (which means adding something acid) or to cover it in some way, in order to prevent oxygen from reaching the surface.\n\n![apple test](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/apple-test-64eceae9a0aeb.jpg?crop=0.871xw:0.773xh;0.0782xw,0.0839xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/apple-test-64eceae9a0aeb.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n\nAfter searching the internet for anti-browning methods, I decided to try three different ways to treat the sliced apples.\n\n- **Salt water (1 teaspoon salt per cup of water)**\n- **Honey water (1 tablespoon honey per cup of water)**\n- **Lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon: enough to cover the apple slices)**\n\nI picked these three because they are relatively easy, they use ingredients most people have, and they sound kind of tasty.\n\nWhile there are other methods that people recommend, they either seem unappetizing (like covering the apple in vinegar, or olive oil), or they use unusual ingredients (like citric acid).\n\nThese were the three I thought most people might actually use.\n\n![cut apples in different bowls for the apple test](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/results-64eceba3f1c9d.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/results-64eceba3f1c9d.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n## The Results\nDon't want to read all about the methodology and results? No worries! Here's the important bit: **Every one of these methods worked fine** for several hours, more than long enough for a lunch. **But the salt water not only worked best, it also changed the taste the least**. Read on to learn what happened.\n\n![apples in lemon juice](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/lemon-juice-8-hours-64ecebe5eb45a.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.633xh;0,0.357xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/lemon-juice-8-hours-64ecebe5eb45a.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n## Method One: Lemon Juice\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then squeezed the juice from about 1\/2 a lemon over it in a bowl. I tossed the apple slices around to coat, and then checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\n\n**Results**: After 8 solid hours in the air, this apple was not brown at all (as shown in the photo), and it had stayed relatively crisp. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly lemony and tart.\n\n![apples dipped in honey water after 8 hours](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/honey-8-hours-64ecef009d6fe.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.644xh;0,0.332xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/honey-8-hours-64ecef009d6fe.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n## Method Two: Honey Water\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off slightly and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\n\n**Results:** After 5 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 6 a small amount of browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly sweet, with a mild honey flavor.\n\n![honey crisp apples](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/salt-8-hours-64ecf077d46ba.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.593xh;0,0.379xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/salt-8-hours-64ecf077d46ba.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n## Method Three: Salt\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\n\n**Results:** After 6 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 7 some browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. **Bites tasted just like an untreated apple**.\n\n## Final Thoughts\nThough the lemon juice resisted browning the longest, I have now started using the salt method when packing my kids' lunches. It keeps the apples from browning for more than long enough, and it doesn't impart any taste on the apples themselves.\n\nHowever, I'd happily recommend any of these three methods. Though the lemon juice tends to cover up the flavor of the apple, it still tastes very good (like a tart apple, such as Granny Smith) and the honey gives it a sweetness that is also very tasty. No matter which method you use, you'll win\\!\n\n## Try These Reader-Approved Apple Recipes\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/caramel-apple-turnovers-1659467740.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.334xh;0,0.0865xh&resize=300:*)Caramel Apple Turnovers](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a40786178\/caramel-apple-turnovers-recipe\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/brown-butter-apple-pie-1663871012.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.334xh;0,0.354xh&resize=300:*)Brown Butter Apple Pie](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a41338826\/brown-butter-apple-pie-recipe\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/brussels-sprouts-salad-1601934587.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.334xh;0,0.362xh&resize=300:*)Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a34276952\/crispy-brussels-sprouts-salad\/)\n\nWatch Next\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n## [Recipes](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/)\n[![The Masters - Preview Day Two](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/11cbd12a-1691-4968-8c4b-9020031bf299.jpeg?crop=0.666666666667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)How to Make the Masters’ Pimento Cheese Sandwich](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/food-news\/a70953893\/how-to-make-masters-pimento-cheese-sandwich\/)\n\n[![A serving of pasta with vegetables in a skillet.](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/46e27412-c763-4e6b-82f5-1b0b78f10b6f.jpg?crop=1xw:0.8xh;0xw,0.149xh&resize=360:*)6 Fresh Carrot Recipes for Spring](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/salad-side-dish-recipes\/a70772492\/carrot-recipes-for-spring\/)\n\n[![Plated ham with slices, fork, and chutney on a patterned tablecloth.](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/8004a616-95e9-41af-bf28-8e67aeb0aa6c.jpg?crop=1xw:0.667xh;0xw,0.154xh&resize=360:*)Celebrate Easter with this Seasonal Dinner Menu](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/holiday-recipes\/a70899502\/easter-dinner-menu\/)\n\n[![pineapple glazed ham](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/easter-ham-recipes-pineapple-glazed-ham-6407b13913cb9.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.750xh;0,0.0481xh&resize=360:*)How Much Ham You'll Need, Per Person, This Easter](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a70910624\/how-much-ham-per-person-easter\/)\n\nAdvertisement - 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A Part of Hearst Digital Media](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/countryliving\/static\/images\/logos\/network-logo.b673d37.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)\n\nA Part of Hearst Digital Media\n\nWe may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.\n\n©2026 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.\n\n[Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice)[CA Notice at Collection](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[Your CA Privacy Rights\/Shine the Light](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[DAA Industry Opt Out](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_OPT_OUTS)[Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-terms-of-use)[Site Map](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/sitemap\/)\n\n[Cookies Choices](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/ \"Cookies Choices\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"![fresh apples on red plate](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/fresh-apples-on-red-plate-royalty-free-image-1720713805.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.677xh;0,0.195xh&resize=1120:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/fresh-apples-on-red-plate-royalty-free-image-1720713805.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nNatalia Ganelin\/\/Getty Images\n\n## Jump to:\n- [Why Do Apples Turn Brown?](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#why-do-apples-turn-brown)\n- [The Results](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#the-results)\n- [Method One: Lemon Juice](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#method-one-lemon-juice)\n- [Method Two: Honey Water](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#method-two-honey-water)\n- [Method Three: Salt](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#method-three-salt)\n- [Final Thoughts](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/#final-thoughts)\n\nCome fall, I can't get enough of apple season. Whether I'm planning a weekend apple picking (these are [our favorite places around the US](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/life\/travel\/g2623\/apple-picking\/) to do it!) or simply grabbing some fun varieties ([like these](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/g1011\/best-apples-for-cooking-0910\/)) from my farmers' market, I've got plenty of fresh apples on the counter, and in the fridge, all season long.\n\nI put them in my kids' lunch boxes. I slice them up and tuck them into sandwiches and salads, and of course I cook with them—everything from homemade pies to [Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Apples](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a23336101\/seared-sausage-with-cabbage-and-pink-lady-apples-recipe\/).\n\n**Related: [40 Recipes That'll Use Your Apple-Picking Haul](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/g650\/apple-recipes\/)**\n\nMy youngest daughter loves to have her school-lunch apples cored, sliced and ready for her to eat. And I love to make her a lunch that she'll eat! But there's a problem: browning. She won't eat apples if they've started to brown, and I don't blame her.\n\nMost apple slices will eventually turn brown, though some apples brown easier than others. And while it doesn't necessarily affect the taste, it's certainly off-putting to open a lunch box and find sad-looking apple slices staring back up at you.\n\n## Why Do Apples Turn Brown?\nIn short: they oxidize\\!\n\nThe same way iron rusts, apples brown when the flesh comes into contact with oxygen. Apples aren't made of metal, of course, but they have [enzymes that react with the oxygen](https:\/\/iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/bmb.21083).\n\nGenerally, to keep an apple from browning you need to either lower the Ph (which means adding something acid) or to cover it in some way, in order to prevent oxygen from reaching the surface.\n\n![apple test](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/apple-test-64eceae9a0aeb.jpg?crop=0.871xw:0.773xh;0.0782xw,0.0839xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/apple-test-64eceae9a0aeb.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n\nAfter searching the internet for anti-browning methods, I decided to try three different ways to treat the sliced apples.\n\n- **Salt water (1 teaspoon salt per cup of water)**\n- **Honey water (1 tablespoon honey per cup of water)**\n- **Lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon: enough to cover the apple slices)**\n\nI picked these three because they are relatively easy, they use ingredients most people have, and they sound kind of tasty.\n\nWhile there are other methods that people recommend, they either seem unappetizing (like covering the apple in vinegar, or olive oil), or they use unusual ingredients (like citric acid).\n\nThese were the three I thought most people might actually use.\n\n![cut apples in different bowls for the apple test](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/results-64eceba3f1c9d.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/results-64eceba3f1c9d.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n## The Results\nDon't want to read all about the methodology and results? No worries! Here's the important bit: **Every one of these methods worked fine** for several hours, more than long enough for a lunch. **But the salt water not only worked best, it also changed the taste the least**. Read on to learn what happened.\n\n![apples in lemon juice](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/lemon-juice-8-hours-64ecebe5eb45a.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.633xh;0,0.357xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/lemon-juice-8-hours-64ecebe5eb45a.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n## Method One: Lemon Juice\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then squeezed the juice from about 1\/2 a lemon over it in a bowl. I tossed the apple slices around to coat, and then checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\n\n**Results**: After 8 solid hours in the air, this apple was not brown at all (as shown in the photo), and it had stayed relatively crisp. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly lemony and tart.\n\n![apples dipped in honey water after 8 hours](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/honey-8-hours-64ecef009d6fe.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.644xh;0,0.332xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/honey-8-hours-64ecef009d6fe.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n## Method Two: Honey Water\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off slightly and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\n\n**Results:** After 5 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 6 a small amount of browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly sweet, with a mild honey flavor.\n\n![honey crisp apples](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/salt-8-hours-64ecf077d46ba.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.593xh;0,0.379xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/food-drinks\/a44927877\/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown\/&description=countryliving&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/salt-8-hours-64ecf077d46ba.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nChristopher Michel\n## Method Three: Salt\nFor this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test.\n\n**Results:** After 6 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 7 some browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. **Bites tasted just like an untreated apple**.\n\n## Final Thoughts\nThough the lemon juice resisted browning the longest, I have now started using the salt method when packing my kids' lunches. It keeps the apples from browning for more than long enough, and it doesn't impart any taste on the apples themselves.\n\nHowever, I'd happily recommend any of these three methods. Though the lemon juice tends to cover up the flavor of the apple, it still tastes very good (like a tart apple, such as Granny Smith) and the honey gives it a sweetness that is also very tasty. No matter which method you use, you'll win\\!","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Food_and_Drink\":977,\"\/Food_and_Drink\/Cooking_and_Recipes\":955,\"\/Food_and_Drink\/Cooking_and_Recipes\/Healthy_Eating\":328}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":998,\"\/Article\/How_to\":917}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":995}","meta_language":"en-us","attrs_author":"Christopher Michel","attrs_publish_time":1720725600,"attrs_original_publish_time":1693260498,"attrs_is_republished":1,"attrs_nr_words":"1287","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"904","body_ext_links_number":14,"body_int_links_number":63,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":1,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":2871,"download_ttfb_msec":2504,"download_size":92340}

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What's the Best Way to Keep Apples from Browning? We Tried 3 Ways

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This is now our go-to for keeping cut apples looking fresh.

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Natalia Ganelin // Getty Images Jump to: Why Do Apples Turn Brown? The Results Method One: Lemon Juice Method Two: Honey Water Method Three: Salt Final Thoughts Come fall, I can't get enough of apple season. Whether I'm planning a weekend apple picking (these are our favorite places around the US to do it!) or simply grabbing some fun varieties ( like these ) from my farmers' market, I've got plenty of fresh apples on the counter, and in the fridge, all season long. I put them in my kids' lunch boxes. I slice them up and tuck them into sandwiches and salads, and of course I cook with them—everything from homemade pies to Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Apples . Related: 40 Recipes That'll Use Your Apple-Picking Haul My youngest daughter loves to have her school-lunch apples cored, sliced and ready for her to eat. And I love to make her a lunch that she'll eat! But there's a problem: browning. She won't eat apples if they've started to brown, and I don't blame her. Most apple slices will eventually turn brown, though some apples brown easier than others. And while it doesn't necessarily affect the taste, it's certainly off-putting to open a lunch box and find sad-looking apple slices staring back up at you. Why Do Apples Turn Brown? In short: they oxidize! The same way iron rusts, apples brown when the flesh comes into contact with oxygen. Apples aren't made of metal, of course, but they have enzymes that react with the oxygen . Generally, to keep an apple from browning you need to either lower the Ph (which means adding something acid) or to cover it in some way, in order to prevent oxygen from reaching the surface. Christopher Michel After searching the internet for anti-browning methods, I decided to try three different ways to treat the sliced apples. Salt water (1 teaspoon salt per cup of water) Honey water (1 tablespoon honey per cup of water) Lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon: enough to cover the apple slices) I picked these three because they are relatively easy, they use ingredients most people have, and they sound kind of tasty. While there are other methods that people recommend, they either seem unappetizing (like covering the apple in vinegar, or olive oil), or they use unusual ingredients (like citric acid). These were the three I thought most people might actually use. Christopher Michel The Results Don't want to read all about the methodology and results? No worries! Here's the important bit: Every one of these methods worked fine for several hours, more than long enough for a lunch. But the salt water not only worked best, it also changed the taste the least . Read on to learn what happened. Christopher Michel Method One: Lemon Juice For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then squeezed the juice from about 1/2 a lemon over it in a bowl. I tossed the apple slices around to coat, and then checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. Results : After 8 solid hours in the air, this apple was not brown at all (as shown in the photo), and it had stayed relatively crisp. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly lemony and tart. Christopher Michel Method Two: Honey Water For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off slightly and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. Results: After 5 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 6 a small amount of browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly sweet, with a mild honey flavor. Christopher Michel Method Three: Salt For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. Results: After 6 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 7 some browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. Bites tasted just like an untreated apple . Final Thoughts Though the lemon juice resisted browning the longest, I have now started using the salt method when packing my kids' lunches. It keeps the apples from browning for more than long enough, and it doesn't impart any taste on the apples themselves. However, I'd happily recommend any of these three methods. Though the lemon juice tends to cover up the flavor of the apple, it still tastes very good (like a tart apple, such as Granny Smith) and the honey gives it a sweetness that is also very tasty. No matter which method you use, you'll win!

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[Recipes](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/) 2. [We Tried 3 Ways to Keep Apples from Browning—One Worked MUCH Better](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/) # We Tried 3 Ways to Keep Apples from Browning—One Worked MUCH Better This is now our go-to for keeping cut apples looking fresh. By [Christopher Michel](https://www.countryliving.com/author/225288/christopher-michel/ "Christopher Michel") Updated: Jul 11, 2024 ![bookmarks](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%2523000000) ![Open share options](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/sharing.89c15b8.svg) ![bookmarks](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/chat-text-regular.fbcc23c.svg?primary=%2523000000)1 ## Jump to: - [Why Do Apples Turn Brown?](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#why-do-apples-turn-brown) - [The Results](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#the-results) - [Method One: Lemon Juice](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#method-one-lemon-juice) - [Method Two: Honey Water](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#method-two-honey-water) - [Method Three: Salt](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#method-three-salt) - [Final Thoughts](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#final-thoughts) Come fall, I can't get enough of apple season. Whether I'm planning a weekend apple picking (these are [our favorite places around the US](https://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/g2623/apple-picking/) to do it!) or simply grabbing some fun varieties ([like these](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1011/best-apples-for-cooking-0910/)) from my farmers' market, I've got plenty of fresh apples on the counter, and in the fridge, all season long. I put them in my kids' lunch boxes. I slice them up and tuck them into sandwiches and salads, and of course I cook with them—everything from homemade pies to [Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Apples](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a23336101/seared-sausage-with-cabbage-and-pink-lady-apples-recipe/). **Related: [40 Recipes That'll Use Your Apple-Picking Haul](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g650/apple-recipes/)** My youngest daughter loves to have her school-lunch apples cored, sliced and ready for her to eat. And I love to make her a lunch that she'll eat! But there's a problem: browning. She won't eat apples if they've started to brown, and I don't blame her. Most apple slices will eventually turn brown, though some apples brown easier than others. And while it doesn't necessarily affect the taste, it's certainly off-putting to open a lunch box and find sad-looking apple slices staring back up at you. ## More Great Stories from Country Living - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-1381041712-1-662a6b2455726.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0.00721xh&resize=300:*)How to Freeze Bananas: the Easiest Method](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a60604217/how-to-freeze-bananas/) - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/blueberries-5-667de3c0144f3.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.334xh;0,0.483xh&resize=300:*)How to Wash and Store Fresh Blueberries](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a61422890/how-to-clean-wash-blueberries/) - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/how-to-wash-strawberries-1651680896.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0.180xh&resize=300:*)How to Wash and Store Strawberries](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a39905728/how-to-wash-strawberries/) ## Why Do Apples Turn Brown? In short: they oxidize\! The same way iron rusts, apples brown when the flesh comes into contact with oxygen. Apples aren't made of metal, of course, but they have [enzymes that react with the oxygen](https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/bmb.21083). Generally, to keep an apple from browning you need to either lower the Ph (which means adding something acid) or to cover it in some way, in order to prevent oxygen from reaching the surface. ![apple test](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/apple-test-64eceae9a0aeb.jpg?crop=0.871xw:0.773xh;0.0782xw,0.0839xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/apple-test-64eceae9a0aeb.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel After searching the internet for anti-browning methods, I decided to try three different ways to treat the sliced apples. - **Salt water (1 teaspoon salt per cup of water)** - **Honey water (1 tablespoon honey per cup of water)** - **Lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon: enough to cover the apple slices)** I picked these three because they are relatively easy, they use ingredients most people have, and they sound kind of tasty. While there are other methods that people recommend, they either seem unappetizing (like covering the apple in vinegar, or olive oil), or they use unusual ingredients (like citric acid). These were the three I thought most people might actually use. ![cut apples in different bowls for the apple test](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/results-64eceba3f1c9d.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/results-64eceba3f1c9d.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel ## The Results Don't want to read all about the methodology and results? No worries! Here's the important bit: **Every one of these methods worked fine** for several hours, more than long enough for a lunch. **But the salt water not only worked best, it also changed the taste the least**. Read on to learn what happened. ![apples in lemon juice](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/lemon-juice-8-hours-64ecebe5eb45a.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.633xh;0,0.357xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/lemon-juice-8-hours-64ecebe5eb45a.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel ## Method One: Lemon Juice For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then squeezed the juice from about 1/2 a lemon over it in a bowl. I tossed the apple slices around to coat, and then checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. **Results**: After 8 solid hours in the air, this apple was not brown at all (as shown in the photo), and it had stayed relatively crisp. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly lemony and tart. ![apples dipped in honey water after 8 hours](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/honey-8-hours-64ecef009d6fe.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.644xh;0,0.332xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/honey-8-hours-64ecef009d6fe.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel ## Method Two: Honey Water For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off slightly and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. **Results:** After 5 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 6 a small amount of browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly sweet, with a mild honey flavor. ![honey crisp apples](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/salt-8-hours-64ecf077d46ba.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.593xh;0,0.379xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/salt-8-hours-64ecf077d46ba.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel ## Method Three: Salt For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. **Results:** After 6 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 7 some browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. **Bites tasted just like an untreated apple**. ## Final Thoughts Though the lemon juice resisted browning the longest, I have now started using the salt method when packing my kids' lunches. It keeps the apples from browning for more than long enough, and it doesn't impart any taste on the apples themselves. However, I'd happily recommend any of these three methods. Though the lemon juice tends to cover up the flavor of the apple, it still tastes very good (like a tart apple, such as Granny Smith) and the honey gives it a sweetness that is also very tasty. No matter which method you use, you'll win\! ## Try These Reader-Approved Apple Recipes - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/caramel-apple-turnovers-1659467740.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.334xh;0,0.0865xh&resize=300:*)Caramel Apple Turnovers](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a40786178/caramel-apple-turnovers-recipe/) - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/brown-butter-apple-pie-1663871012.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.334xh;0,0.354xh&resize=300:*)Brown Butter Apple Pie](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a41338826/brown-butter-apple-pie-recipe/) - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/brussels-sprouts-salad-1601934587.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.334xh;0,0.362xh&resize=300:*)Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a34276952/crispy-brussels-sprouts-salad/) Watch Next Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## [Recipes](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/) [![The Masters - Preview Day Two](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/11cbd12a-1691-4968-8c4b-9020031bf299.jpeg?crop=0.666666666667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)How to Make the Masters’ Pimento Cheese Sandwich](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/food-news/a70953893/how-to-make-masters-pimento-cheese-sandwich/) [![A serving of pasta with vegetables in a skillet.](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/46e27412-c763-4e6b-82f5-1b0b78f10b6f.jpg?crop=1xw:0.8xh;0xw,0.149xh&resize=360:*)6 Fresh Carrot Recipes for Spring](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/salad-side-dish-recipes/a70772492/carrot-recipes-for-spring/) [![Plated ham with slices, fork, and chutney on a patterned tablecloth.](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/8004a616-95e9-41af-bf28-8e67aeb0aa6c.jpg?crop=1xw:0.667xh;0xw,0.154xh&resize=360:*)Celebrate Easter with this Seasonal Dinner Menu](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/holiday-recipes/a70899502/easter-dinner-menu/) [![pineapple glazed ham](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/easter-ham-recipes-pineapple-glazed-ham-6407b13913cb9.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.750xh;0,0.0481xh&resize=360:*)How Much Ham You'll Need, Per Person, This Easter](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a70910624/how-much-ham-per-person-easter/) Advertisement - 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Readable Markdown

![fresh apples on red plate](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fresh-apples-on-red-plate-royalty-free-image-1720713805.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.677xh;0,0.195xh&resize=1120:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fresh-apples-on-red-plate-royalty-free-image-1720713805.jpg?resize=1600:*) Natalia Ganelin//Getty Images ## Jump to: - [Why Do Apples Turn Brown?](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#why-do-apples-turn-brown) - [The Results](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#the-results) - [Method One: Lemon Juice](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#method-one-lemon-juice) - [Method Two: Honey Water](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#method-two-honey-water) - [Method Three: Salt](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#method-three-salt) - [Final Thoughts](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#final-thoughts) Come fall, I can't get enough of apple season. Whether I'm planning a weekend apple picking (these are [our favorite places around the US](https://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/g2623/apple-picking/) to do it!) or simply grabbing some fun varieties ([like these](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1011/best-apples-for-cooking-0910/)) from my farmers' market, I've got plenty of fresh apples on the counter, and in the fridge, all season long. I put them in my kids' lunch boxes. I slice them up and tuck them into sandwiches and salads, and of course I cook with them—everything from homemade pies to [Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Apples](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a23336101/seared-sausage-with-cabbage-and-pink-lady-apples-recipe/). **Related: [40 Recipes That'll Use Your Apple-Picking Haul](https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g650/apple-recipes/)** My youngest daughter loves to have her school-lunch apples cored, sliced and ready for her to eat. And I love to make her a lunch that she'll eat! But there's a problem: browning. She won't eat apples if they've started to brown, and I don't blame her. Most apple slices will eventually turn brown, though some apples brown easier than others. And while it doesn't necessarily affect the taste, it's certainly off-putting to open a lunch box and find sad-looking apple slices staring back up at you. ## Why Do Apples Turn Brown? In short: they oxidize\! The same way iron rusts, apples brown when the flesh comes into contact with oxygen. Apples aren't made of metal, of course, but they have [enzymes that react with the oxygen](https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/bmb.21083). Generally, to keep an apple from browning you need to either lower the Ph (which means adding something acid) or to cover it in some way, in order to prevent oxygen from reaching the surface. ![apple test](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/apple-test-64eceae9a0aeb.jpg?crop=0.871xw:0.773xh;0.0782xw,0.0839xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/apple-test-64eceae9a0aeb.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel After searching the internet for anti-browning methods, I decided to try three different ways to treat the sliced apples. - **Salt water (1 teaspoon salt per cup of water)** - **Honey water (1 tablespoon honey per cup of water)** - **Lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon: enough to cover the apple slices)** I picked these three because they are relatively easy, they use ingredients most people have, and they sound kind of tasty. While there are other methods that people recommend, they either seem unappetizing (like covering the apple in vinegar, or olive oil), or they use unusual ingredients (like citric acid). These were the three I thought most people might actually use. ![cut apples in different bowls for the apple test](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/results-64eceba3f1c9d.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/results-64eceba3f1c9d.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel ## The Results Don't want to read all about the methodology and results? No worries! Here's the important bit: **Every one of these methods worked fine** for several hours, more than long enough for a lunch. **But the salt water not only worked best, it also changed the taste the least**. Read on to learn what happened. ![apples in lemon juice](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/lemon-juice-8-hours-64ecebe5eb45a.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.633xh;0,0.357xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/lemon-juice-8-hours-64ecebe5eb45a.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel ## Method One: Lemon Juice For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then squeezed the juice from about 1/2 a lemon over it in a bowl. I tossed the apple slices around to coat, and then checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. **Results**: After 8 solid hours in the air, this apple was not brown at all (as shown in the photo), and it had stayed relatively crisp. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly lemony and tart. ![apples dipped in honey water after 8 hours](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/honey-8-hours-64ecef009d6fe.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.644xh;0,0.332xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/honey-8-hours-64ecef009d6fe.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel ## Method Two: Honey Water For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off slightly and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. **Results:** After 5 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 6 a small amount of browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. Bites of the apple tasted pleasantly sweet, with a mild honey flavor. ![honey crisp apples](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/salt-8-hours-64ecf077d46ba.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.593xh;0,0.379xh&resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https://www.countryliving.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a44927877/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/&description=countryliving&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/salt-8-hours-64ecf077d46ba.jpg?resize=1600:*) Christopher Michel ## Method Three: Salt For this method, I chopped up a medium-sized apple and then let it sit for about 30 to 40 seconds in a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. I then rinsed them off and checked on them every hour. Periodically (every couple hours) I took a bite of a slice to test. **Results:** After 6 hours there was still no browning on the apple, but by hour 7 some browning began to occur. However, even after 8 hours (as shown in the photo, above) there was very little browning. While it remained crisp for 4 or 5 hours, it had begun to soften slightly. **Bites tasted just like an untreated apple**. ## Final Thoughts Though the lemon juice resisted browning the longest, I have now started using the salt method when packing my kids' lunches. It keeps the apples from browning for more than long enough, and it doesn't impart any taste on the apples themselves. However, I'd happily recommend any of these three methods. Though the lemon juice tends to cover up the flavor of the apple, it still tastes very good (like a tart apple, such as Granny Smith) and the honey gives it a sweetness that is also very tasty. No matter which method you use, you'll win\!

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Christopher Michel

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2024-07-11 19:20:00 (1 year ago)

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2023-08-28 22:08:18 (2 years ago)

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