How to Keep Apples from Turning Brown
I cooked at many different schools. I loved the elementary and the middle school kids the best. Sorry but the high school kids were very rude and I often wonder what they are learning at home.When our kids grew up they ate at the cafeteria or took their lunch. Food was good back then and not all the fake stuff they serve now. A lot of food comes from the government and when this food is sometimes all the food kids get everyday, it should be the best.Being a foster mom for many years these kids did not have good nutrition until they came to our home. I made sure that they had lots of good food everyday that would get them through their day at school and at home.Food needs to taste good. I always sent some kind of fruit for lunches every day. Apples were always the easiest plus we had lots of Asian Pears (2200 trees to be exact) so they were always a yummy option!Sometimes fruit turns brown in your kids lunchbox. According to Scientific American, when an apple is sliced, the fruit's tissue comes in contact with oxygen. This causes the apple's enzymes to oxidize and react with other molecules within the fruit. This reaction causes the apple to turn brown.Let me share a THREE TIPS that worked for our family to make sure the fruit does not turn brown.These tips are for slicing apples ahead of time to have in your fridge when you’re ready for them.Lemon juice is a family’s favorite as we love the flavor combo of tart lemon and sweet apple. Pineapple juice is also yummy on apples!Simply squeeze one tablespoon of lemon juice to one cup of water. Soak for 4-5 minutes then drain and rinse.Keep in mind that it does add a slight tart taste in the process!How to Keep Apple Slices Fresh with Salt Water….Mix 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt into 1 cup of cool water until dissolved. Add your sliced apples and soak for about 10 minutes. Drain the apples and store in an airtight container for up to a week.Don't worry. The fruit does not taste salty! The salt water just keeps the fruit from turning brown. It works great with all kinds of fruit.Another family favorite….slice up your apples and soak in Sprite, 7-up or other lemon/lime carbonated beverage for about 5 minutes. You can rinse the apple pieces, or leave them if you love the extra flavor!Store in an air tight container.You know what they say about "An Apple a Day . . . ." it just might keep the doctor away.