Yes, you can put apples in water, particularly when storing sliced apples to prevent browning.
Putting sliced apples in water is a common and effective method for keeping them fresh and crisp after cutting. This technique is especially useful when preparing apples ahead of time, such as for a snack later in the day or for inclusion in salads or dishes.
Why Put Sliced Apples in Water?
The primary reason for submerging sliced apples in water is to prevent oxidation. When apple flesh is exposed to air, enzymes within the apple react with oxygen, causing the surface to turn brown. Water acts as a barrier, limiting this exposure and keeping the slices looking fresh.
How to Store Sliced Apples in Water
According to one simple method highlighted in the reference, storing sliced apples in water is straightforward and requires minimal effort:
- Slice the Apples: Prepare your apples by slicing them to your desired thickness.
- Submerge in Water: Place the sliced apples into a container or baggie.
- Add Water: Simply slice the apples and store them submerged in tap water. Ensure all apple slices are fully covered by the water.
- Seal the Container: Use a lidded container or sealed baggie to hold the water and apples.
- Store at Room Temperature: The reference suggests storing the sealed container at room temperature for consumption later the same day (e.g., slicing in the morning to be eaten at lunch).
This method requires no pre-soaking or rinsing beyond the simple submersion, making it a quick and easy solution for prepping sliced apples.
Practical Tips for Storing Sliced Apples in Water
- Container Choice: Use a container or baggie that allows the apple slices to be fully submerged. A container is often easier to manage than a baggie for full submersion.
- Water Level: Ensure the water level is high enough to cover all the apple pieces completely.
- Duration: While the reference mentions storing at room temperature for a few hours, for longer storage (more than a few hours or overnight), storing them in the refrigerator is generally recommended for food safety and quality.
- Alternatives: Other liquids like water with a little lemon juice or a saltwater solution can also prevent browning, but plain tap water as mentioned in the reference is the easiest approach for short-term storage.
Using water is a convenient way to keep sliced apples visually appealing and tasting fresh until you're ready to enjoy them.
