Prevent browning in Apples and Pears.

How to keep apple and pear slices from browning.  Soak them in one of these solutions for 5 minutes. Citric acid is the key ingredient in most of these, because it helps prevent oxidization (browning).

1. Soak them in a bowl of cold lemon water. This is better than squeezing the lemon juice directly on the fruit, unless you don't mind the fruit tasting really lemony. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per 1 cup of water.
2. Soak them in a bowl of cold salt water. Not too much salt, or it effects the taste of the fruit. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt per 1 quart (4 cups) of water. 
3.  Soak them in a bowl of Sprite, 7-Up, or a similar lemon-lime, carbonated soda. 
4. Soak them in a bowl of cold water mixed with a crushed Vitamin C tablet. I used 1 crushed tablet per 1 cup of water. (suggested by FC)
5. Soak them in a bowl of apple cider and lemon juice. I like this idea, because the apple cider enhances the apple flavor while balancing/diluting the lemon juice. Use 1/2 cup apple cider per 1/4 cup lemon juice. 
6. Soak them in pineapple juice or a combo of pineapple and lemon juice. I used 1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of pineapple juice. 
7. Soak them in plain carbonated water. 
   

Store the fruit slices in a ziploc bag.
After soaking my fruit slices, I drain off the liquid and store them in a ziploc bag in the fridge. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing it. Amazing how long the apples stay fresh and and crispy this way.

Their storage life can vary depending on the type and freshness of the apples. If you're using apples that are in season and fairly freshly picked, they will stay fresh longer than those that have been picked and stored for a long time. I've had them keep for up to a week.

I