How can you prevent Pink Lady® apples from turning brown once they’ve been cut?
Crisp, juicy and sweet, apples can be enjoyed in a thousand ways. But once cut, they tend to turn brown quickly, which can make them look less appetising. Why does this happen? It’s a natural phenomenon called oxidation, caused by a reaction between oxygen in the air and certain enzymes found in the fruit’s flesh.
Fortunately, there are simple and natural tips for preserving the beautiful golden colour of your Pink Lady® apple slices without altering their taste.
Here are four effective methods you can try at home 🍎
Lemon juice: the classic ally🍋
💡Tip #1: Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to your Pink Lady® apple slices to slow down the browning process. The citric acid in the juice neutralises the enzymes responsible for oxidation.
📌Useful tip: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to a small bowl of water and soak the apples in it for one minute.
Salt water: quick and easy🧂
💡Tip #2: Make your own saline solution. Salt limits the enzymatic reaction and is easy to rinse off.
📌Useful tip: Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of cold water. Soak the apple pieces for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse them briefly with clean water to remove the salty taste.
Sparkling water: tasteless yet formidable 🫗
💡Tip #3: Little known, sparkling water is an excellent option. Thanks to its acidity and carbon dioxide content, it acts as a barrier against oxygen.
📌Useful tip: Immerse the apple pieces in a bowl of sparkling water for a few minutes. No flavour will be added, which is ideal for neutral fruit salads.
Diluted honey: natural sweetness 🍯
💡Tip #4: Honey contains a natural compound that inhibits the enzyme responsible for browning (polyphenol oxidase). It also adds subtle sweetness.
📌Practical tip: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into 1 cup of warm water. Soak the Pink Lady® apples for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Drain, and you’re done!
All of these methods are perfect for preparing your snacks, fruit salads or lunches in advance without compromising the appearance of your apples. So don’t wait any longer, try the tip that suits you best! 🍎✨
