In the quest to keep caramel apples fresh for as long as possible, Joe Sofia from Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate investigates the effectiveness of a popular preservation method: the lemon juice trick. This method, which suggests dipping the wooden sticks in lemon juice before use, is believed to extend the shelf life of these sweet treats. But does it really work?

The shelf life of a caramel apple is typically only one to two weeks. The primary issue arises at the point where the stick is inserted into the apple. Over time, this area turns brown and becomes unappetizing due to enzymatic browning—a biochemical reaction triggered when apple flesh is exposed to oxygen. This phenomenon is what often limits the apple's appeal and shelf life.

Variables Affecting the Rate of Browning:

Temperature: Temperature plays a significant role; refrigerating caramel apples can slow down this process.

Apple variety: the variety of apple used can affect how quickly it browns, as different types have varying compositions

Without the stick, the shelf life of caramel apples could be considerably longer, since the caramel, nuts, and chocolate used in their preparation generally have a much longer shelf life.

 

 

Does the lemon juice trick really work?

The lemon juice trick involves soaking the wooden sticks in lemon juice before inserting them into the apples. It has been suggested that this trick helps to preserve the apples by reducing browning at the stick insertion point. However, Joe Sofia's testing did not reveal a significant difference between apples with lemon-soaked sticks and those with unsoaked sticks. After a week, both types of sticks—whether soaked in lemon juice or not—showed similar browning around the insertion point.

Given the limited impact of the lemon juice trick, another approach to extending the shelf life of caramel apples is to forgo the stick altogether. By using large dipping forks, beaker tongs, or scissor-style tongs to dip the apples in caramel, candy makers can avoid the browning issue associated with the stick. While this method may slow down the dipping process, it might be a worthwhile trade-off for those focused on maximizing freshness. For customer convenience, sticks could still be provided separately for those who prefer them.

In conclusion, while the lemon juice trick does not significantly extend the shelf life of caramel apples, exploring alternative methods like going stickless could offer a practical solution for preserving these delightful treats.

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Just when you think rich and buttery caramel couldn’t get any better, a dash of sea salt can take it to the next level. Marked as a hot flavor trend in 2008, this sweet and salty power couple continues to prove its staying power.

Chocolate-covered sea salt caramels are a customer-favorite for many RCI members. If you’re looking for new avenues to apply the magic of sea salt, keep reading for five confections that are even better with sea salt.

 

 

Caramel Apples
Elevate your caramel apples with a drizzle of chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. Not only does this application stimulate the taste buds, the addition of delicate sea salt crystals levels up the sophistication.

 

Toffee
It just makes sense to pair buttery and nutty confections with a dash of high-quality sea salt. It’s no surprise toffee and sea salt are a winning combination.

 

 

Caramel Popcorn
If you make caramel popcorn, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt crystals, like fleur de sel, can instantly elevate your product and add another variety to your product lineup. Invite customers to sample the new combo, touting “if you love our caramel popcorn, wait until you try it with sea salt!”

 

 

 

Salt Water Taffy
Aside from the flavor, coarse sea salt can add a welcome crunchy element to smooth and creamy confections like taffy. If you pull your own taffy, consider adding sea salt crystals towards the end of the production process so not to lose the texture of the sea salt.

 

Lemon Confections
Think twice before limiting lemon and sea salt to savory seafood dishes. This flavor combination is popular in Asian confections and can be seen in various applications in North America. If you’re looking for a more unexpected application, consider ways to incorporate sea salt with your lemon-flavored confections—such as a touch of sea salt to chocolate-covered lemon creams. Alternatively, we love this idea of lemon sea salt peanuts from Belmont Peanuts. Described as “a flavor match made in peanut paradise,” this pairing is worth a try!

 

Sea salt can instantly add value to confections, along with an undeniable punch of flavor and satisfying crunch. When adding a twist to any product, even if just a dash of salt, we highly recommend offering samples in-store and heavily promoting the new product (with photos, of course) on your website and social media outlets. Staging your salty, new products atop a generous mound of coarse sea salt crystals (think pink with pink Himalayan Sea salt, if you use it in your application) can both be visually appealing and reinforce the message even if the consumer doesn’t read the description.

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Have you ever experienced problems with caramel slipping off your caramel apples? The wax on your apple may be the culprit. By simply wiping each apple with a damp cloth prior to dipping, you can remove the waxy residue that rests on the apples.

An apple naturally produces a waxy film to protect itself, however, in some instances additional food-grade wax is added by suppliers to further increase an apple’s shelf life. For this reason, it could save you time and effort to request unwaxed apples from your supplier, if they do add wax to their apples.

If that doesn’t help, consider adding white compound to your caramel at a 5 to 1 ratio to help it better adhere to the apple.

If you can’t wait to test this out, here’s a few summer-inspired caramel apples ideas to try too!

 

 

Patriotic Caramel Apples
Show your patriotic stripes with drizzles of red and blue over a white chocolate coated caramel apple.

Zesty Coconut Caramel Apples
Think tropical by adding a generous helping of toasted coconut and a little lime zest to your caramel apples.

Wormy Caramel Apple
Turn shoppers heads with these fun, wormy caramel apples!

 

 

S’mores Caramel Apples
Transform your caramel apples into a s’mores lover’s dream by adding layers of graham crackers, marshmallows and drizzled chocolate. 

Was this tip helpful? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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