Have you ever wanted to serve apple slices at a party? Or pack them in a lunch?
The problem is that, once they’re cut apples start to turn brown. But I’ve figured out a simple, two step method to keeping them looking fresh. I’ve tested this method several times. The first time, I checked the apples for several days after cutting. They stayed looking fresh the whole time. This time, I tested them for 24 hours. Again, the method worked perfectly.
The first step involves slicing the apples and letting them soak for 2-3 minutes in Sprite. I pour the Sprite in a bowl, add the apples and then stir so that all surfaces of the apples are in contact with the Sprite.
I’ve used lemon juice to dip apples, but it does alter the taste a bit. And I’ve never soaked the apples in lemon juice, just a quick dip, so the anti-browning action isn’t as good.
I’ve also heard of people using salt water to deter browning in apples. But again, that would alter the taste of the apples.
Sprite works great though. It doesn’t change the taste of the fruit noticeably at all. And that means the apples can take a 2-3 minute soak, which really helps deter the browning for longer.
The second step of the method is to drain the apples and put them in zip top plastic bags. Squeeze as much air as possible out of the bags. Then store the slices in the fridge.
I’ve held the apples in the fridge for several days with no browning happening. This is good if you need to do some party prep ahead of time. Slicing apples isn’t hard, but it can be time consuming if you have a lot to do. It’s nice to know you can do it ahead and still have fresh looking apples.
I also tested the apples after coming out of the fridge and sitting on a plate at room temperature. Here’s what they looked like immediately after I put them out.
You can see I tested 3 different varieties. The Fuji was naturally darker than Ida Red and Jonathan, but all of them still looked fresh 24 hours after the Sprite bath.
And here they are 30 minutes later:
No noticeable change. I’ve also tested the slices for several hours on the counter and there wasn’t any browning that I noticed.
So, if you want fresh slices to pack in a lunch or serve at a party, grab some Sprite and zip top bags. Don’t forget the caramel sauce for dipping!
So simple! Love it and my kids will too. Thanks for posting!
Does this work for pears also?
Great tip! I’ve never heard of using Sprite.
Did you happen to try orange juice? I’ve heard that that works, but have never tried anything other than a quick dip (which seemed to work for a short time). I wonder if it would work for several days, like the Sprite did.
I haven’t tried orange juice. That seems better than lemon though, if you’re going to give them a 2-3 minute soak. If you try it, let me know how it works.
Thanks. Will try
This works like crazy and for Wausau more than 24 hours! Thank you so much for this!!
Thanks so much! Will hopefully try packing apples for work on Monday : )
Quick question; after dipping in sprite, do you dry apples before bagging in zip locks? Thank you!
I didn’t dry them, but kind of shook off the extra drips.
Will this work for pears also
I haven’t tried it for pears, but I would think it would work.
Does it work if you wash apples off after soaking?
Thank you so much! I sliced apples for a party (with caramel dipping sauce) and this worked perfectly!
I also use pineapple juice, it works just as good in preventing apples slices from turning brown.
Great idea!
What about using Fruit Fresh? As good as the Sprite?
Thanks.
I haven’t ever tried Fresh Fruit. I’ll have to give that a try and see how it works.
this will help me do my stem fair project
Would diet sprite also work?
I think so.
Will ginger ale work
I would think so.
Great for the schools science fair.
Has anyone tried 7-up?
Orange Juice works perfectly also!!
Great, want to try at Center for Kids
I am going to try this tomorrow. I want to cut apples for an apple cake that I’m not doing fo several days. I’m going to try vacuum bags after the sprite.
That sounds like a great idea, Bridget! Let us know how it turns out!
does 7up work?
yes, 7 Up should work
does diet 7up or sprite work
It should! Here’s a blog post about that – https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/how-to-keep-sliced-apples-fresh/
Thx! That was my question after reading your post.
You should try Fresh Sliced. It is a product specifically made for this. It is super fast and actually works. My apples last hours after dipping them in the Fresh Sliced. It doesn’t leave an aftertaste and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!
Here is where you can buy some: https://freshsliced.com/
We are preparing apples and like your method using sprite but wondering if 7up would work also ,thanks
It should work! Here’s a blog post about it – https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/how-to-keep-sliced-apples-fresh/
Figures , I bought fugi apples 🍎
I love this idea! Thank you! But I am curious, any idea how much sugar this will add to the apples?
Jamie, I’ve wondered how much sugar it adds too, but it can’t be much, because not much of the sprite stays on the apples.
Thank you! Can you re-use the sprite to dip more apples?
I don’t see why you couldn’t re-use the sprite, the only question being how long it will be effective as the soda goes flat? I be interested in what seems to work on this!!
I believe it’s the citric acid in the soda that keeps it from browning. So the carbonation or lack there of shouldn’t be an issue.
I used flat sprite and it still worked for several days in my covered dish in the refrigerator.
What about Apple juice???
Apple juice sounds like a good idea and would taste better than lemon juice, but it won’t keep apples from browning because it doesn’t have the citric acid in it.
Hi,
How about Topo Chico? it’s lime carbonated drink with no sugar
Thanks
Hi, I love people who shares amazing idea and inspires other to eat and drink healthy. Thank you for sharing this idea.
Thank you for this tip!!
I definitely will be trying this tip with the sprite, in my household Christmas dinner is as huge as Thanksgiving dinner so for this years Christmas dinner I’m adding apple crisp to the menu and I was hoping to prep my apples days before and thanks to this tip I am hopeful that I will be able to achieve that because I have so many things to prep before the 25th 😤
were the apples rinse with water before bagging or just straight to the bagging after the sprite?
Instead of caramel sauce I use the salted caramel triple 0 yoghurt for dipping.
I am doing apples for a charcuterie board. I experimented with lemon and it didn’t work for long. I hope this does. Thanks.
Can i use the apples in a apple crumble or will it cause a weird taste due to the sprite?
I’m looking to make candy apple & caramel apple slices for a carnival themed birthday party and really need to prep them ahead of time and was afraid the lemon would affect the taste too much. I’m so excited to try this!
i soaked green apples granny smith in sprite and now they taste minty. Any thoughts?