Nothing can be more disappointing than a beautiful fruit salad that turns brown within minutes. The culprit? Oxidation, a natural process that occurs when the fruit’s flesh is exposed to air. But fear not! With a few simple techniques, you can keep your apple and pear slices looking fresh and vibrant for hours.
INGREDIENTS
- Freshly sliced apples or pears
- See directions for 8 different liquids that can be used for soaking apples and pears
DIRECTIONS
To keep apple and pear slices from browning, soak them in one of the following solutions for 5 minutes:
- Saltwater Solution: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of cold water. The slices may have a slight salty taste, which can be removed with a quick rinse before serving.
- Honey Water Solution: Combine 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 cup of water for a naturally sweet way to prevent browning.
- Lemon Water Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per 1 cup of cold water. This method is less intense than squeezing lemon juice directly on the fruit.
- Soda Solution: Soak the slices in Sprite, 7-Up, or any lemon-lime carbonated soda. Although effective, this option contains artificial ingredients and high-fructose corn syrup.
- Fruit-Fresh or Citric Acid Solution: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of Fruit-Fresh (or citric acid powder) per 1 cup of water. Fruit-Fresh is typically available in the canning section of stores.
- Apple Cider and Lemon Juice Solution: Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider with 1/4 cup of lemon juice. The cider enhances the apple flavor while balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- Pineapple Juice Solution: Use pure pineapple juice or a mixture of 1 cup pineapple juice with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Plain Carbonated Water Solution: Soak the slices in carbonated water for a simple, flavor-neutral option.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
After soaking, drain the slices and transfer them to a Ziploc bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Store the bag in the refrigerator.
- Freshness Tips: When using fresh, in-season fruit, slices can stay fresh and crisp for up to a week. Older or pre-stored fruit may have a shorter shelf life.
