It has been suggested ascorbic acid exerts protection by: (1) acting as an
oxygen scavenger, removing molecular oxygen and avoiding polyphenol oxidase-catalyzed reactions (Rico et
al., 2007) and (2) self-oxidation to avoid oxidation of phenol compounds or reduction of enzymatically formed oquinones
to their precursor diphenols (Mayer and Harel, 1979). Therefore, it was possible the ascorbic acid and
hot water treatment by increasing antioxidant capacity reduced cut surface browning in apple slices.