Will lemon juice stop fruit decay?

Lemon juice can slow down the browning of fruits, but it does not stop fruit decay. The browning of fruits is caused by an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which is activated when the fruit is cut or bruised. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can inhibit the activity of polyphenol oxidase. This is why lemon juice can help to keep fruits from browning. However, lemon juice does not kill the bacteria and mold that cause fruit decay. These microorganisms can continue to grow and multiply on the fruit, even if it has been treated with lemon juice. Therefore, lemon juice can only slow down the decay of fruits, it cannot stop it completely.