You can get some pretty good apples now, but sometimes even the prettiest, most promising, crispy fall fruits can be a little too sour or a little too bland. This is definitely disappointing, but don’t let it ruin your day. All your boring apple needs is a pinch of salt.
Why salt on fruit is the best idea ever
Salted apples were a staple snack for me as a kid. My grandmother would take super-sour, bland Granny Smiths, slice them, and sprinkle them with regular table salt (she also salted cantaloupe), which gave them a bit more dimension and flavor. I now know that salt doesn’t just make things salty; it suppresses bitter flavors and enhances sweetness, but back then I just knew I loved those salty apples. These days I use spices more judiciously—opting for fancy Maldon—and save the salt for bland fruits that need a little help with flavor (including insanely sour Grannies).
Claire is Lifehacker's Senior Food Editor. She has a BS in Chemistry, ten years of experience in food journalism, and a deep love of mayonnaise and MSG.
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