Packaged Apple Slices?

I just noticed at the grocery store the other night packaged apple slices. They looked extremely appealing for when I go to the movie theatre. I can just throw a package in my purse and they don't brown or anything. But that's the thing... they don't brown. Why is that, what kind of preservatives do they have? It can't be good? Or are they still good for you just not as good? I am having mixed opinions about them. They sure do beat theatre popcorn though!

I want to know the same thing. They look extremely yummy.

Calcium ascorbate (Vitamin C). Totally harmless.

While the people who sell pre-sliced apples (how lazy can you get?) might use some weird preservatives, there's a much simpler method that cooks have been using for a long time; Lemon Juice!!!

Pour about 1/4 of a cup of lemon juice (bottled is okay) into a small bowl.  Cut your washed apple into bite size slices then toss them in the lemon juice and let soak for a few seconds.  Shake the lemon juice off of the apple slices then place in a sealable sandwich bag or other container.

That's it!

If you're worried that the taste of lemon might be overpowering, you can pick up a fruit preservative from the grocery store.  I like the 'Fruit Fresh' brand.

Instead of worrying what in those packages why not just buy apples and then slice them yourself as needed? You can put them in to ziploc bag to bring to the movie theatre.

UD

Because a) I have no time, I can honestly say I am never home and b) even if I do find any time what so ever to go prepare all of the things I eat, with apples they always end up browning before I am even finished slicing them for my boyfriend and I... I am bad with knives.

And wow, I'm not looking to be called lazy here. I can now see why people on this site scare off all of the newcomers. geez.

xlovelyx- What brand of apple slices do you buy? 

I haven't bought any yet since I wasn't sure about them when I was there. I am however going to the grocery store in a bit and was thinking of getting them for the movies tonight. I am not sure what brand... are there a lot of different brands? I only saw this one, it had a green label, it was my first time seeing them in stores.

Original Post by xlovelyx:

I haven't bought any yet since I wasn't sure about them when I was there. I am however going to the grocery store in a bit and was thinking of getting them for the movies tonight. I am not sure what brand... are there a lot of different brands? I only saw this one, it had a green label, it was my first time seeing them in stores.

I've seen a couple of different brands in my grocery store but I only buy the "Chiquita" brand. They tastes really good and fresh.

xlovelyx- I don't think you need to justify yourself to anybody! And by the way, I'm sure that the Fruit Fresh Preservative that was mentioned earlier, is probably pretty close to whatever these companies are using too.

I have been known to buy those apple slices on occasion, they taste fresh & my kids won't touch brown apples, they're not usually picky, but to be honest, I think they're pretty ugly too ;o) But I will grab a bag of these for road trips, and the movie theater idea is great!

And let it be known that I also buy pre-sliced mushrooms(they cost the same at my grocery store), I have bought microwave popcorn, and once or twice I have even bought a single cup of coffee at Tim Hortons instead of brewing it at home for a fraction of the cost.  There, I said it!

There really isn't anything wrong with taking advantage of a little convenience sometimes.

i`m going to quote myself from another thread.

Original Post by pgeorgian:

disposable wipes for every surface, 100-calorie packs, "lunchables," paper plates to make you a better mother, bottled water and single-serving drink mix packets, one-use everything...have we learned nothing?  when will it end?  and why don't people get it? 

jesus.  we're doomed.

 this approaches the height of wastefulness.

Original Post by xlovelyx:

 I can now see why people on this site scare off all of the newcomers. geez.

People who are easily "scared off" by mild criticism need to think twice about participating on an internet message board.

But believe me, I can understand the lack of time thing.  To address both that and the not-good-with-knives issue, I suggest one of these, and the fruit fresh is a good idea as well.  If you have any spare time, you can make up your own apple slice packs ahead of time.

However, if you still prefer the pre-sliced things, I don't think you have to worry.

Original Post by xlovelyx:

Because a) I have no time, I can honestly say I am never home and b) even if I do find any time what so ever to go prepare all of the things I eat, with apples they always end up browning before I am even finished slicing them for my boyfriend and I... I am bad with knives.

And wow, I'm not looking to be called lazy here. I can now see why people on this site scare off all of the newcomers. geez.

Just FYI: "Sharp knive is a safe knive."

UD

I agree with pgeorgian we do live in a disposable world, and we are throwing it away one piece at a time.

But alas, that is not the topic, but it doesn't mean we can't combine the two.

Buy apples and an apple corer (for those not handy with knives).  Core and slice your apple dip it in a fruit preservative (absorbic acid, lemon or the like) following package instructions.  When finished store it in a reusable container to minimize waste.

I do it for dehydrating fruits and veggies to snack on for the week or backpacking trips. 

I am so lazy I would probably just eat the apple while walking to the theater

"People who are easily "scared off" by mild criticism need to think twice about participating on an internet message board."

I am pretty certain people come on caloriecount for help, not to be criticised about everything they eat/do or don't do. I really don't care, but I have been lurking for a while before I started posting and I could easily see how many people in need of help were scared off by those on this site. This isn't just some internet message board... I'd like to believe this is a place where people can come for help. I don't think they pictured people in need of help being scared off when they made this site. Just saying. Oh, and we are talking about packaged apple slices here, not a slice of pizza. Can people lighten up just a little bit about foods? Don't take food that seriously, you will end up going crazy.

So anyways, again, no I'm not slicing my apples. My question is not about how wasteful these apples are or whether or not I should be in the kitchen all hours of the day, but just the mere question about whether it's preservatives are harmful ones or just vitamin c/calcium chloride, etc. But I had better luck googling this. I was hoping for more personal answers.

Original Post by xlovelyx:

This isn't just some internet message board... I'd like to believe this is a place where people can come for help.

Actually, it IS just some internet message board, but on a website with a particular theme.  There are certain rules for posting, but never posting personal opinions isn't one of them.

And while the issue of preparing your own apple slices actually does address your obvious concern about ingesting preservatives, I do believe your question about the nature of the preservative used was answered.

Personally, I wanted to share a sustainable alternative with a non-antagonistic approach. 

I do cringe at the thought that we now have to Styrofoam and plastic wrap each apple, but you still have the freedom to do as you choose. 

Perhaps someone else who reads this thread will appreciate a different take on the question.  Your question was answered by choose2loose in the second reply.  (The preservatives they are most likely using are not harmful and the apple is still nutritious) other post are just adding to the topic.

lol You guys must be Americans.

Yes my question was answered when I googled it. Choose2loose was only guessing.

Original Post by xlovelyx:

lol You guys must be Americans.

Meaning?

Original Post by xlovelyx:

lol You guys must be Americans.

Yes my question was answered when I googled it. Choose2loose was only guessing.

One can only guess, given that you did not list any ingredients...

Apple slices causes drama! :0

I wanted to know for when I go to Subway, can get those instead of chips (so tempting!).