How to Keep Fruit from Turning Brown

Reviewed by Marrow Private Chefs

Last Updated: December 29, 2024 References

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When fleshy fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, and bananas are cut open and exposed to the air, their insides will often turn brown within minutes as a result of the oxidation process. Although brown fruit is still nutritious and safe to eat, sometimes the color can appear unsightly and unappetizing. However, there are several natural ingredients you can use together to prevent your fruit from turning brown.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Honey and Water

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Mix together 1 tbs. (30 g) of honey and 1 cup (128 g) of slightly warm water. Honey will dissolve easier in warm water than it will in cold water.^{[2]
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- If you are slicing multiple pieces of fruit, be sure to double or triple the honey and water amounts as needed so the fruit can be completely soaked in the mixture.
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Pour the honey and water mixture over the fruit.
- Make sure that all fruit slices are completely covered with the honey and water mixture.
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Your fruit slices will now appear bright and fresh-looking for up to 8 hours.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Lemon Juice and Water

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Mix together 1 tbs. (15 g) of lemon juice and 1 cup (128 g) of water.^{[5]
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- If you are preparing multiple slices of fruit, double or triple the lemon juice and water amounts as needed so all fruit slices can be completely submerged in the mixture.
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Pour the lemon juice and water mixture over the fruit.^{[6]
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- Make sure that all the fruit slices are completely covered with the lemon juice and water mixture.
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Drain the lemon juice and water mixture from the bowl of fruit, or transfer the fruit to another container. Your fruit slices will now appear fresh for up to several hours.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Salt and Water

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Dissolve 1/2 tsp. (2.46 g) of salt into 4 cups (512 g) of water.^{[8]
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- If you want to keep your fruit snack as healthy as possible, use sea salt instead of table salt. Sea salt is minimally-processed compared to table salt, which is often heavily bleached and processed.
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Pour the salt and water mixture over the fruit.^{[9]
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- Make sure that all the fruit slices are completely covered with the salt and water mixture.
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Your fruit slices will now appear fresh for up to several hours.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Is there some thing called fruit fresh?

Community Answer

Yes there is, and it is a produce protector to help keep fruit fresh longer.

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Question

Can you use lime instead of lemon?

Community Answer

Yes, lime and lemon are quite similar, and both of them have vitamin C, which helps in keeping the fruits from browning.

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Is it possible to use the honey method with an avocado?

Community Answer

Avocado is a very soft, and rather savory fruit. To keep it from going brown, I would recommend spritzing or lightly tossing the avocado meat in lime juice or a little salt solution rather than soaking in the honey solution.

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Tips

If you are trying to limit your sodium intake and maintain your overall health, use the honey or lemon juice methods instead of the salt method to keep fruit from browning. Lemon juice and natural honey also contain a number of vitamins and antioxidants that may help boost your health.

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Treat your fruit using any of the methods in this article when preparing large salads you plan on eating throughout the week, such as Waldorf salad and other fruit salad dishes.

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Use any of the methods in this article to keep sliced fruit looking fresh and appetizing if you plan on serving sliced fruit at a potluck, buffet, or any other event at which your food may sit out for an extended period of time.

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