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URLhttps://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/
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Meta TitleBest Way to Keep Apples from Turning Brown - I Heart Naptime
Meta DescriptionLearn how to keep apples from turning brown by soaking them in a simple saltwater solution. Sliced apples will stay fresh and crisp for hours!
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Learn how to keep apples from turning brown with a simple trick that keeps them fresh and crisp for hours, plus no lemon juice needed for this prevention method! This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy . Once cut, apples start to brown when an enzyme in the flesh reacts with oxygen in the air. While this doesn’t make them unsafe to eat, it does make them look less appealing and can cause the texture to soften over time. Knowing how to keep apples from turning brown means you can slice them ahead for snacks, pack them in lunch boxes, or prep them for apple desserts , fruit salads, or a caramel apple bar without worrying they’ll lose their crisp, juicy texture. The good news is that I have found an easy way to slow oxidation and keep apples fresh and vibrant for hours. The Best Way to Prevent Apples from Browning My favorite method is using salt water! It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t alter the flavor like lemon juice can. Here is a quick overview: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of cold water , soak the apple slices for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse lightly. The salt forms a barrier that helps prevent browning while keeping the apples firm and juicy for hours. How to Keep Apple Slices from Turning Brown In a bowl, combine 2 cups room-temperature tap water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let salt dissolve. Slice the apples into wedges and cover them with the salt water for 5 minutes. Drain cut apples in a colander (no need to rinse) to remove any lingering hint of salt then place in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pat dry before snacking on or using to dip. I promise you won’t taste the salt and they will stay fresh for hours up to even overnight! Other Apple Treatment Methods to Prevent Browning While salt water is the best way to prevent cut apples from browning for a longer amount of time, there are a few other methods I have used over the years! Lemon water. A common method is to use lemon juice to prevent apples from turning brown as citric-acid is a natural antioxidant. Add 1 Tablespoon lemon juice to a cup of water and soak apples. This method works best if using apples within a few hours. Citric acid. Citric acid isn’t something I often have in my pantry, so this method is one that I use least often. It will keep your apples fresh and crisp up to 8 hours but does leave a tang (think sour candy) on the apples. Carbonation: Carbonated drinks such as lemon-lime soda or ginger also contain citric acid. Soak in beverage of choice for a few minutes. Enjoy as is if you love the added flavor from the drinks or rinse and enjoy within a few hours. Sweetened water. If you love a sweeter taste to your apples, soak apples in 1 cup of water with 1 Tablespoon of honey. No need to rinse the honey water but I would plan to use them within a few hours. Plastic wrap. If you are in a hurry and prefer to not soak apples, you can wrap apple slices tightly with plastic wrap. I don’t find this method particularly helpful for long term storage but could be a quick fix. More ways to use sliced apples include include French apple tart and apple turnovers . Apple Recipes to Try Learn how to keep apples from turning brown with a simple trick that keeps them fresh and crisp for hours, plus no lemon juice is needed for this prevention method! Print Pin This! Rate 2 cups room temperature water ½ teaspoon salt 6 apples Dissolve salt in water: Combine 2 cups room-temperature water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let salt dissolve. Slice apples: Slice the apples into wedges and cover them with the salt water for 5 minutes. Drain and store in refrigerator: Drain the apples place in an airtight container (lined with a paper towel) in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pat dry before serving so the sauces and toppings will stick better. Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe. This method will work for any variety of apples. Calories: 568 kcal , Carbohydrates: 151 g , Protein: 3 g , Fat: 2 g , Saturated Fat: 0.3 g , Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g , Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1 g , Sodium: 1174 mg , Potassium: 1169 mg , Fiber: 26 g , Sugar: 114 g , Vitamin A: 590 IU , Vitamin C: 50 mg , Calcium: 66 mg , Iron: 1 mg Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
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[Skip to content](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#body) [Subscribe: Get latest recipes in your inbox\!](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/subscribe/) [![I Heart Naptime](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/themes/ihn2025/images/logo.svg)](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/) - [Recipe Index](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/recipes/) - [Dinner](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/main-dish/) - [Desserts](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/desserts/) - [Appetizers](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/appetizers/) - [Bread](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/bread/) - [Breakfast](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/breakfast-recipes/) - [30 Minute Meals](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/main-dish/30-minute-meals/) - [Cookies](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/desserts/cookies/) - [All Recipes](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/recipes/) - [Meal Plans](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/meal-plan/) - [About](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/about/) Search [Home](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/) [Recipe Index](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/recipes/) [Snacks](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/snacks/) # How to Keep Apples from Turning Brown [![Jamielyn Nye](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/jamielyn-nye-headshot-120x120.jpg)](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/jamielyn-nye/) - By [Jamielyn Nye](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/jamielyn-nye/). Updated Oct 22, 2025 - 5 from 1 vote - [Jump to Recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#recipe) - [Pin This\!](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/) ![Apples treated with saltwater in a bowl and laid out on a baking sheet.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20180%20180'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Apples treated with saltwater in a bowl and laid out on a baking sheet.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/how-to-keep-apples-from-browning-180x180.jpg) Learn **how to keep apples from turning brown** with a simple trick that keeps them fresh and crisp for hours, plus no lemon juice needed for this prevention method\! ![Sliced apples on a baking sheet.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown-3.jpg) This post may contain affiliate links. Read [disclosure policy](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/privacy-policy/). Once cut, apples start to brown when an enzyme in the flesh reacts with oxygen in the air. While this doesn’t make them unsafe to eat, it does make them look less appealing and can cause the texture to soften over time. Knowing how to keep apples from turning brown means you can slice them ahead for snacks, pack them in lunch boxes, or prep them for [apple desserts](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-desserts/), fruit salads, or a [caramel apple bar](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/caramel-apple-bar/) without worrying they’ll lose their crisp, juicy texture. The good news is that I have found an easy way to slow oxidation and keep apples fresh and vibrant for hours. ![Jamielyn Nye](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20432%20432'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Jamielyn Nye](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/jamielyn-nye-headshot.jpg) ## The Best Way to Prevent Apples from Browning My favorite method is using salt water! It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t alter the flavor like lemon juice can. Here is a quick overview: Mix **\½ teaspoon of salt per cup of cold water**, soak the apple slices for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse lightly. The salt forms a barrier that helps prevent browning while keeping the apples firm and juicy for hours. ## How to Keep Apple Slices from Turning Brown In a bowl, combine 2 cups room-temperature tap water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let salt dissolve. ![Sliced apples on cutting board.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20857'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Sliced apples on cutting board.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/sliced-apples.jpg) Slice the apples into wedges and cover them with the salt water for 5 minutes. ![Sliced apples in a container with a saltwater solution to prevent browning.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201680'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Sliced apples in a container with a saltwater solution to prevent browning.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown.jpg) Drain cut apples in a colander (no need to rinse) to remove any lingering hint of salt then place in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pat dry before snacking on or using to dip. I promise you won’t taste the salt and they will stay fresh for hours up to even overnight\! ![Crisp, fresh sliced apples in a bowl with a toothpick inserted into one ready to enjoy. ](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201680'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Crisp, fresh sliced apples in a bowl with a toothpick inserted into one ready to enjoy. ](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown-4.jpg) ## Other Apple Treatment Methods to Prevent Browning While salt water is the best way to prevent cut apples from browning for a longer amount of time, there are a few other methods I have used over the years\! - **Lemon water.** A common method is to use lemon juice to prevent apples from turning brown as citric-acid is a natural antioxidant. Add 1 Tablespoon lemon juice to a cup of water and soak apples. This method works best if using apples within a few hours. - **Citric acid.** Citric acid isn’t something I often have in my pantry, so this method is one that I use least often. It will keep your apples fresh and crisp up to 8 hours but does leave a tang (think sour candy) on the apples. - **Carbonation:** Carbonated drinks such as lemon-lime soda or ginger also contain citric acid. Soak in beverage of choice for a few minutes. Enjoy as is if you love the added flavor from the drinks or rinse and enjoy within a few hours. - **Sweetened water.** If you love a sweeter taste to your apples, soak apples in 1 cup of water with 1 Tablespoon of honey. No need to rinse the honey water but I would plan to use them within a few hours. - **Plastic wrap.** If you are in a hurry and prefer to not soak apples, you can wrap apple slices tightly with plastic wrap. I don’t find this method particularly helpful for long term storage but could be a quick fix. More ways to use sliced apples include include [French apple tart](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-tart/) and [apple turnovers](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-turnovers/). ## Apple Recipes to Try - ![Apple fritters on a cooling rack.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Apple fritters on a cooling rack.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Apple-Fritters-Recipe-I-Heart-Naptime-285x285.jpg) [Homemade Apple Fritters Recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-fritters/) - ![Spoonful of apple crisp.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Spoonful of apple crisp.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/apple-crisp-recipe-i-heart-naptime-1-285x285.jpg) [Easy Apple Crisp Recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-crisp-dessert/) - ![baked apple recipe](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![baked apple recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/baked-apple-recipe-285x285.jpg) [Cinnamon Oat Baked Apples](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/cinnamon-oat-baked-apples/) - ![Apple cake on a white plate.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Apple cake on a white plate.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/apple-cake-i-heart-naptime-285x285.jpg) [Easy Apple Cake Recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-cake/) ![Sliced apples on a baking sheet.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20240%20240'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Sliced apples on a baking sheet.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown-3-240x240.jpg) ## How to Keep Apples from Turning Brown 5 from 1 vote Recipe by: [Jamielyn Nye](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/jamielyn-nye/) Prep Time: 5 minutes mins Total Time: 5 minutes mins Servings: 6 Learn how to keep apples from turning brown with a simple trick that keeps them fresh and crisp for hours, plus no lemon juice is needed for this prevention method\! [Print](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wprm_print/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown) [Pin This\!](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheartnaptime.net%2Fhow-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheartnaptime.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F09%2FHow-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown-3.jpg&description=Learn+how+to+keep+apples+from+turning+brown+with+a+simple+trick+that+keeps+them+fresh+and+crisp+for+hours%2C+plus+no+lemon+juice+is+needed+for+this+prevention+method%21&is_video=false) [Save](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/) [Saved](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/) [Rate](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#comments) ### Ingredients - 2 cups room temperature water - \½ teaspoon salt - 6 apples ### Instructions - **Dissolve salt in water:** Combine 2 cups room-temperature water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let salt dissolve. - **Slice apples:** Slice the apples into wedges and cover them with the salt water for 5 minutes. - **Drain and store in refrigerator:** Drain the apples place in an airtight container (lined with a paper towel) in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pat dry before serving so the sauces and toppings will stick better. **Last step:** Please [leave a comment and rating](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#comments) after you make the recipe. ### Notes This method will work for any variety of apples. See Nutrition Info ### Nutrition Calories: 568kcal, Carbohydrates: 151g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0\.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0\.1g, Sodium: 1174mg, Potassium: 1169mg, Fiber: 26g, Sugar: 114g, Vitamin A: 590IU, Vitamin C: 50mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 1mg Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used. **Categorized as:** [Snacks](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/snacks/) ![Jamielyn Nye](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20240%20240'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Jamielyn Nye](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/jamielyn-nye-240x240.jpg) Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the [I Heart Naptime Cookbook](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/cookbook/) and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion. [Read more](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/jamielyn-nye/) *** 5 from 1 vote ## Add a Comment [Cancel reply](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#respond) *** ## Comments - ### Gayle Oct 4, 2024 ![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=) I have wasted lemon juice way too often only to be disappointed in browning apples. Your salt water idea is cheap and practical! I’m ready to try it tomorrow\! - [Reply](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#comment-711980) - ### Sarah @IHeartNaptime Oct 7, 2024 So glad you found the apple tip helpful\! - [Reply](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#comment-712105) ![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/jamielyn-nye-3-edited-1.jpg) ## Welcome to I Heart Naptime\! Here you’ll find 1,500+ **delicious and easy family-friendly recipes**. From quick weeknight recipes to memorable desserts for all occasions\! Jamielyn Nye is the founder, [cookbook author](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/cookbook/), mom of four, food enthusiast and chocolate chip cookie lover. On her food blog you’ll find easy and delicious recipes. [Read more](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/about/) ### Follow Jamielyn ## Get our latest recipes & meal plans in your inbox: ## Top 4 Recipes - ![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Crepe-recipe-I-Heart-Naptim3-285x285.jpg) 1 [Crepe Recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/perfect-crepe-recipe/) - ![french bread recipe](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![french bread recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/french-bread-recipe-285x285.jpg) 2 [Homemade French Bread](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/homemade-french-bread/) - ![meatballs](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![meatballs](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/meatballs-3-285x285.jpg) 3 [Easy Homemade Meatball Recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/meatball-recipe/) - ![Cake mix cookies on parchment paper.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Cake mix cookies on parchment paper.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Cake-mix-cookies-I-Heart-Naptime-285x285.jpg) 4 [Cake Mix Cookies (3 Ingredients)](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/cake-mix-cookies/) ## Dinner Favorites - ![Wooden spoon getting some burrito bowl out of pot.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Wooden spoon getting some burrito bowl out of pot.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Burrito-bowl-i-heart-naptime-285x285.jpg) [One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/burrito-bowls/) - ![Sliced meatloaf on a white plate.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Sliced meatloaf on a white plate.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Meatloaf-Recipe-I-Heart-Naptime-285x285.jpg) [Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/meatloaf/) - ![Copycat PF Changs Lettuce Wraps made with ground chicken on a plate.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20285%20285'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Copycat PF Changs Lettuce Wraps made with ground chicken on a plate.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pf-chang-lettuce-wraps-285x285.jpg) [PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/pf-changs-lettuce-wraps/) [See all](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/category/main-dish/) ## As Seen On - ![Better Homes & Gardens](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20258%2019'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Better Homes & Gardens](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/better-homes-and-gardens.svg) - ![Taste of Home](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20127%2019'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Taste of Home](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/taste-of-home.svg) - ![MSN](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2066%2029'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![MSN](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/msn.svg) - ![People](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2055%2022'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![People](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/people.svg) - ![Martha Stewart](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20168%2019'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Martha Stewart](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/martha-stewart.svg) - ![Food Network](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2047%2046'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Food Network](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/food-network.svg) - ![BuzzFeed](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20103%2019'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![BuzzFeed](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/buzzfeed.svg) - ![Today](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2092%2019'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Today](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/today.svg) ## Get Our Latest Recipes & Meal Plans in Your Inbox: - © 2026 I Heart Naptime - [Privacy Policy](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/privacy-policy/) - [Contact](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/contact/) - Site by cre8d ## Rate This Recipe ## Recipe Ratings without Comment Something went wrong. 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Learn **how to keep apples from turning brown** with a simple trick that keeps them fresh and crisp for hours, plus no lemon juice needed for this prevention method\! ![Sliced apples on a baking sheet.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown-3.jpg) This post may contain affiliate links. Read [disclosure policy](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/privacy-policy/). Once cut, apples start to brown when an enzyme in the flesh reacts with oxygen in the air. While this doesn’t make them unsafe to eat, it does make them look less appealing and can cause the texture to soften over time. Knowing how to keep apples from turning brown means you can slice them ahead for snacks, pack them in lunch boxes, or prep them for [apple desserts](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-desserts/), fruit salads, or a [caramel apple bar](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/caramel-apple-bar/) without worrying they’ll lose their crisp, juicy texture. The good news is that I have found an easy way to slow oxidation and keep apples fresh and vibrant for hours. ![Jamielyn Nye](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/jamielyn-nye-headshot.jpg) ## The Best Way to Prevent Apples from Browning My favorite method is using salt water! It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t alter the flavor like lemon juice can. Here is a quick overview: Mix **\½ teaspoon of salt per cup of cold water**, soak the apple slices for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse lightly. The salt forms a barrier that helps prevent browning while keeping the apples firm and juicy for hours. ## How to Keep Apple Slices from Turning Brown In a bowl, combine 2 cups room-temperature tap water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let salt dissolve. ![Sliced apples on cutting board.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/sliced-apples.jpg) Slice the apples into wedges and cover them with the salt water for 5 minutes. ![Sliced apples in a container with a saltwater solution to prevent browning.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown.jpg) Drain cut apples in a colander (no need to rinse) to remove any lingering hint of salt then place in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pat dry before snacking on or using to dip. I promise you won’t taste the salt and they will stay fresh for hours up to even overnight\! ![Crisp, fresh sliced apples in a bowl with a toothpick inserted into one ready to enjoy. ](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown-4.jpg) ## Other Apple Treatment Methods to Prevent Browning While salt water is the best way to prevent cut apples from browning for a longer amount of time, there are a few other methods I have used over the years\! - **Lemon water.** A common method is to use lemon juice to prevent apples from turning brown as citric-acid is a natural antioxidant. Add 1 Tablespoon lemon juice to a cup of water and soak apples. This method works best if using apples within a few hours. - **Citric acid.** Citric acid isn’t something I often have in my pantry, so this method is one that I use least often. It will keep your apples fresh and crisp up to 8 hours but does leave a tang (think sour candy) on the apples. - **Carbonation:** Carbonated drinks such as lemon-lime soda or ginger also contain citric acid. Soak in beverage of choice for a few minutes. Enjoy as is if you love the added flavor from the drinks or rinse and enjoy within a few hours. - **Sweetened water.** If you love a sweeter taste to your apples, soak apples in 1 cup of water with 1 Tablespoon of honey. No need to rinse the honey water but I would plan to use them within a few hours. - **Plastic wrap.** If you are in a hurry and prefer to not soak apples, you can wrap apple slices tightly with plastic wrap. I don’t find this method particularly helpful for long term storage but could be a quick fix. More ways to use sliced apples include include [French apple tart](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-tart/) and [apple turnovers](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/apple-turnovers/). ## Apple Recipes to Try - ![Apple fritters on a cooling rack.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Apple-Fritters-Recipe-I-Heart-Naptime-285x285.jpg) - ![Spoonful of apple crisp.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/apple-crisp-recipe-i-heart-naptime-1-285x285.jpg) - ![baked apple recipe](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/baked-apple-recipe-285x285.jpg) - ![Apple cake on a white plate.](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/apple-cake-i-heart-naptime-285x285.jpg) Learn how to keep apples from turning brown with a simple trick that keeps them fresh and crisp for hours, plus no lemon juice is needed for this prevention method\! [Print](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/wprm_print/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown)[Pin This\!](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheartnaptime.net%2Fhow-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheartnaptime.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F09%2FHow-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown-3.jpg&description=Learn+how+to+keep+apples+from+turning+brown+with+a+simple+trick+that+keeps+them+fresh+and+crisp+for+hours%2C+plus+no+lemon+juice+is+needed+for+this+prevention+method%21&is_video=false)[Rate](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#comments) - 2 cups room temperature water - \½ teaspoon salt - 6 apples - **Dissolve salt in water:** Combine 2 cups room-temperature water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let salt dissolve. - **Slice apples:** Slice the apples into wedges and cover them with the salt water for 5 minutes. - **Drain and store in refrigerator:** Drain the apples place in an airtight container (lined with a paper towel) in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pat dry before serving so the sauces and toppings will stick better. **Last step:** Please [leave a comment and rating](https://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown/#comments) after you make the recipe. This method will work for any variety of apples. Calories: 568kcal, Carbohydrates: 151g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0\.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0\.1g, Sodium: 1174mg, Potassium: 1169mg, Fiber: 26g, Sugar: 114g, Vitamin A: 590IU, Vitamin C: 50mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 1mg Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
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