What is a fast easy way to cut an apple for my kids to eat? What are some ways keep cut apples from turning brown?
One of the snacks we featured on our post about easy snack ideas for moms was an apple. It’s not something really new I know. I really love eating apples but I hate cutting them. I am also less likely to eat an apple if it’s not cut. I just don’t like biting into big apple. It hurts my teeth and gets my face messy. I know a lot of people use these apple slicers but I don’t really feel like they work that well. Plus, what happens if your apple is too big for it?
While staying with my sister-in-law a few months ago she was cutting an apple for her girls. When I saw her slice it, I knew my life had changed. Ok, that’s maybe a little dramatic (really how hard is it to cut an apple), but I really liked what she did. It is a cleaner cut than the apple slicer devices and I think it’s easier too. So, here is what you do:
Cut off one side of the apple just outside where you think the core will be. Continue to cut off each side this way. You are left with a nice square around the core and four big slices. Just cut those up a little bit more if you want smaller bites, and you are good to go! Here is a little movie to show you how it’s done too.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm_sr1uj7WI]
I really feel much more inclined to eat apples knowing this new way to cut them. We’ve also used it to cut pears, peaches, and mangoes. I’m sure it works on just about any fruit with a similar shape and pit or core.
I also don’t like eating apples that have started turning brown, I would guess that’s the case for most people. Usually I eat them right after cutting them. However, if you are serving them with a dinner or on a fruit plate they are likely to start turning brown before people eat them. It doesn’t take long. So, here are a few things you can try, all of which have a minimal effect on the taste:
- Soak them in a little salt water (2-3 tablespoons per quart of water), then rinse and serve! If you need them in the distant future keep them in a tupperware container with the lid sealed tight.
- Squirt with a little lemon juice. This has more of a flavor effect than the salt water. Use with sweeter apple varieties.
- Soak in sparkling water for a minute or two then strain and serve.
So, the next time you cut an apple, be sure to try this new technique! And if you decide to serve them on a fruit tray you’ll know just what to do to save them from turning brown and nasty!