Like a lot of parents, I’m constantly prepping fruit for snacks,lunchboxes and after-school playdates. And in my house, the second apple slices start turning brown, they’re basically dead to my kids. So the idea of having another trick up my sleeve to keep apples crisp, fresh-looking and appealing felt like a total win.Chef Bradley has shared that she uses this method weekly for her apple-loving kid, and after seeing her results, I had to try it myself. Because if there’s a way to keep apples looking just-cut for hours, without the lemon taste, it’s absolutely worth testing.Related: 7 Easy Ways to Keep Sliced Apples From Turning Brown, According to Apple Orchard Owners
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
How To Use Salted Water To Prevent Browning on Apples
Chef Bradley revealed that she learned this trick from someone else and now relies on it regularly. The method is simple: add a pinch of salt to a pint-sized container of water, slice your apples and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
One commenter on her video explained the science behind the hack perfectly: “Plant scientist here! Salt inhibits the enzyme in apples that causes browning (yay biochemistry!).” That enzyme—polyphenol oxidase—is what reacts with oxygen and causes that unappetizing brown color. The salt helps slow that process down.After soaking, Chef Bradley leaves the apples out for hours, and they still look bright and fresh.
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
The real test, though? My kids. I was slightly nervous they’d pick up on the salt, especially since they’ve rejected lemon-treated apples in the past...but they didn’t flinch! They ate them exactly as they would fresh-cut slices, which honestly makes this feel like a major lunchbox win.
Related: The #1 Change I Noticed When I Ate an Apple Every Day for a Week
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
4 Tips for Using This Method
1. Scale your salt and water properly
If you’re prepping more than one apple, adjust accordingly. A good rule of thumb is about a pinch of salt per apple and roughly two cups of water to ensure all slices are fully submerged and evenly treated.
Related: It's Time To Get Creative—20 Tempting Apple Desserts (That Aren't Pie!)
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
3. Give them a quick rinse (optional)
If you’re sensitive to any salt flavor, you can give the slices a quick rinse with fresh water after soaking. I found it wasn’t necessary, but it’s an easy extra step if you want a completely neutral taste.
Related: The Best Way To Make Baked Apples, According to Jacques Pépin
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Related: Save This List! Here’s Where To Go Apple Picking in Every State
2 Other Fruit Hacks To Try
1. Store berries in glass containers with paper towels
Wash your berries when you get them home from the grocery store and store them in a paper towel lined, glass container. This simple step can extend the life of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries by preventing them from getting mushy or moldy too quickly.
2. Freeze grapes for a snack upgrade
Pop grapes in the freezer for a few hours and you’ve got a refreshing, naturally sweet snack that feels like a treat, especially great in warmer months or packed in lunchboxes.
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
Final Thoughts
While acidulated water will always have its place, this salted water trick feels like a practical alternative, especially for families. The fact that my kids didn’t notice a difference in taste is what really sold me.
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