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How to Keep Fruit Salad Fresh in 4 Easy Ways

During the summer times, there is nothing more refreshing than having a bowl of cold and fresh fruit salad. Indeed, this summer treat is the perfect summer escape that all of us could ever have.

However, there is nothing ickier than seeing a mixture of mushy, browned and soft fruit slices which will be the case if you will not be able to consume your bowl of fruit salad right away.

If you always want to have access to a fresh and refreshing fruit salad during the summer days, you need to learn how to keep fruit salad fresh. Lucky for you, this article will teach you the different ways on how to do that.

How to Keep Fruit Salad Fresh

Keeping fruit salad fresh is not as difficult as you think it will be. The truth is, you can be able to achieve this deed using a few products that are already in your kitchen. So if you are ready with the tutorial, let us get started!

Method #1: Submerging fruits in cold water.

The cold water can prevent oxygen from breaking down and oxidizing the fruit slices in your salad. It will also keep the fruit slices crispy and fresh. But please keep in mind that this technique may not be suitable for certain fruits such as bananas.

What You Will Need:

  • Fruit Salad
  • A bowl of cold water

Step #1: Fill the bowl with the coldest water than you have (but please don’t add ice to it).

Step #2: Add the fruit slices in the bowl and make sure that all parts of the fruits are completely submerged in the water. No part should be exposed or come in contact with air.

Step #3: Place the bowl with fruits inside the refrigerator. Only take it out when you are ready to eat it.

Pro Tip: Make sure to consume the fruits within 5 days after preparing it.

Step #4: When you are ready to eat the salad, drain the water from the bow then serve the salad right away.

Pro Tip: To make the entire draining process as easy as possible, use a strainer.

Method #2: Add citric acid into it.

Same with water, the citric acid can prevent the oxygen from interacting with the enzymes in the fruits (this is the reason why they turn mushy and brown). The great thing about using citric acid instead of water is it imparts a delicious and even more refreshing citrus flavor to the fruits.

The best types of fruits that you can use citric acid on are pears, bananas, apples, and avocadoes.

What You Will Need:

  • 1 tablespoon of Citric acid
  • A large bowl
  • Fresh fruit slices
  • 1 gallon of cold water

Step #1:  Place 1 gallon of cold water in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of citric acid and mix well.

Step #2: Once properly mixed, add the fruit slices into the bowl ( do this right after cutting them). Make sure to submerge all the fruit slices in the resulting mixture fully.

Step #3: Let the fruit set in the mixture for 14 minutes before draining the liquid and placing it in your refrigerator.

Pro Tip: If you do not have citric acid on hand, you can go for either lemon or orange juice.

Method #3: Vacuum seal the salad.

This method removes the air inside the packet, ensuring that it will never come in contact with the fruit slices as long as they are inside the pack. This prevents the oxidation process which is the culprit behind the browning and deterioration of the fruit slices.

This technique is recommended if you have limited space inside your refrigerator as the packet can easily be placed in tight spaces as compared to a big bowl filled with water and fruit slices.

What You Will Need:

  • Vacuum Sealer
  • Fruit Salad
  • Sealing bag

Step #1: Buy a bag that is suitable for vacuum sealing. Please take a look at the manufacturer’s recommendation to make sure that you will be buying the right sealing bag.

Step #2: Cut the fruits and place them inside the bag right away.

Pro Tip: Do not fill the bag too much. Leave enough space at the top part of the bag for proper sealing.

Step #3: Make sure that there are no wet slices and that the inside portion of the bag is completely free of water. Once you are assured of this, seal the bag. Make sure to support the bottom part of the bag during the sealing process.

Pro Tip: If you plan to eat the salad in portions, it is recommended that you seal and pack the fruit slices in batches.

Step #4: Label each pack. Make sure to write down the date so you would know when you should consume it.

Step #5: Put the fruit packs in the freezer (it will last longer there).

Method #4: Coat the fruits in either sugar or salt.

Sugar and salt halt the exposure of fruit cells in oxygen, preventing them from turning brown. If you do not want to add sugar to your fruits, the next best option that you have is to coat it with salt.

If you love to add flavor to your fruit salad, this is a great idea. But if you wish to enjoy your fruits without the added calories, it is recommended that you go for all the other methods mentioned in this article.

What You Will Need:

  • Sugar syrup or rock salt
  • Fruit Slices

Step #1: Coat the fruits with sugar syrup or salt (whichever you think is more palatable).

Step #2: Place the fruit slices in a bowl and refrigerate them.

Step #3: When you are ready to eat the salad, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. Eat the fruits with coating or wash it off before eating them.

In Summary

Fruits are delicious, but they can easily get oxidized which will cause their quality to deteriorate. In fact, it will get brown and mushy within just a few hours of preparing and cutting it. But when stored properly, they can last for up to 3 to 5 days.

Lucky for you, there are lots of ways on how to keep fruit salad fresh and crispy. Choose from the four methods mentioned above, and you can enjoy your fresh fruit salad for longer.

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