What is Oxidation?

Oxidation happens when oxygen molecules interact with other substances. For instance, an apple that has been freshly cut will turn brown due to the process of oxidation – oxygen molecules touching the skin of the apple. This same process causes rust on an automobile. Oxidation actually happens on a molecular level when oxygen and the material it touches react to each other chemically. What we see are the effects of oxidation – which causes free radicals to break away and can turn fruit brown.

Oxidation on food can be stopped by a barrier surface, such as lemon juice, that will stop the oxygen from reaching the free radicals.