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Be Fresh For Less: The Lure of Fresh Cut Fruit

March 7, 2013 By Lena

At any given time, you can find a variety of fresh fruit in my home. Both my boys are addicted to nature’s candy, and I make a habit of reaching for handful of ripe, tart raspberries or a slice of cool, refreshing melon a few times per day.

But not every day. And certainly not five (5) times a day, the minimal requirement according to Canada’s Food Guide.

The truth is, if the fruit in my fridge looked more like the picture on the right, I’d likely indulge much, much more often. It’s the lure of fresh cut fruit.

It’s colourful, inviting, and most importantly – all the work is done for you. You simply have to grab a fork and enjoy… and grocery stores do enjoy charging you a premium for something as simple as slicing a few strawberries and adding a handful of grapes for colour. $6.74 for a small bowl of fruit, likely valued at about $1.30? Someone will pay it.

I used to. I too was once swayed by the promise of cold, delicious fruit; all pretty and juicy and full of vitamins and just enough to fill me up with a variety of tastes and textures that I craved. In fact, when I was pregnant with my second, my husband will grudgingly fondly recall tales of 11:00pm grocery runs to deliver a bowl of fresh cut fruit to me (I’d literally wait at the kitchen table with a fork in hand and an eye on the front door).

However, spending $5+ on fruit got old really quick, and I resigned myself to once again sneaking the odd serving of berries or a banana. Not. very. inspiring.

So I thought to myself, “What is stopping me from having the perfect fruit salad at home? Surely I can make it myself – for a fraction of the cost!” (Newsflash – cutting up fruit takes exactly one knife and one bowl – how simple!)

But then it goes all brown and yucky. And I’m too lazy to spend all that time making a whole bowl that gets runny and limp after a few days…. any more excuses?

Here’s what I did: I searched Tips for Keeping Fruit Salad Fresh and Tasty. And I came up with:

– Fresh cut fruit stays fresh in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days. The good news: you’ll only have to do your cutting twice per week.

– Most people will tell you to sprinkle your fruit salad with lemon juice to keep it from oxidizing, but really, a little bit of acid from sliced oranges or pineapple is all you need to help it stay bright and firm.

– Stay away from apples, pears and bananas. They lose colour and texture quickly, and can be unappetizing after being exposed to air for about 15 minutes.

–  If you’d like to include apples, cut the fruit in water to prevent the browning process. Water washes away enzymes that will break down the fruit – just be sure to dry the fruit slices before storing them, since the moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.

– Cut up fruit at night when you’re less likely to be in a rush. I’m lucky to have a television within view of my counter top, so I tune into the latest must-see-tv and peel, chop and slice away.

And here’s the key: single serving, air-tight containers. It may be tempting to dump the whole works in a big bowl, but too many juices can macerate the fruit, and every time you lift the top, you’re accelerating the decaying process (sounds so romantic, eh?). So grab those food storage containers and divvy your fresh cut fruit into 3-4 servings.

Et voila! Fresh cut fruit you can enjoy daily with minimal preparation and maximum enjoyment. I grab a bowl with breakfast, add granola and yogurt for a healthy afternoon snack, or for a yummy dessert, top off with a dollop of Cool Whip. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: fresh cut fruit, healthy living, kitchen tips

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Victoria Ess

    March 7, 2013 at 8:48 am

    Storing pre-cut fruit in containers is a great (or only!) way to get my partner to eat fruit.

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 9:22 am

      Good for you for doing it! It’s great to encourage healthy habits.

  2. Debbie Bashford

    March 7, 2013 at 9:45 am

    I am the same way, I and a neighbour were just talking about this yesterday over coffee! This is so simple to do, not sure why I think of it as such a chore, definately going to use your suggestions.

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 9:23 am

      Thanks Debbie! Cheers to you and healthy living – the less expensive way!

  3. Freda Mans

    March 7, 2013 at 10:18 am

    My favorite thing in the world is yogurt with granola and fresh fruit. Whether it is a snack or breakfast…. so delicious!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 9:23 am

      Mmmm… me too. Especially with mixed berries, I just can’t resist!

  4. Amber

    March 7, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Great post Lena! It’s so true, pre-cut is so alluring but I just can’t bring myself to pay the premium. These are very useful tips and makes it hard to come up with excuses when it’s just this easy. Thanks for sharing :)

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 9:25 am

      Thanks Amber! I think most people would be shocked if they added up receipts at the end of the month and see how much they spend on the pre-packaged stuff.

  5. Colleen K

    March 7, 2013 at 10:48 am

    …I love fresh cut fruit, but, I am very sensitive to flavours and hate unrippened fruit, so in the winter I am more careful in what I buy…Can’t wait for fresh Watermelon !!!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 9:27 am

      Me too Colleen! I actually just bought a cantaloupe on a whim for $1.99… let it ripen on my counter for two days… and it was the best one ever! Package of 1/4 cantaloupe, cubed: $3.99! Yikes!

  6. Eva Mitton-Urban

    March 7, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    Health resolutions can begin anytime other than January. It is quite amazing with exercise and healthy food how the weight just comes off naturally. I have been eating fruits/vegetables daily and have lost 27 pounds in a month and a half. One thing that aids in this reduction – I ensure that I have protein with every meal – not a be all end all but seems to be working. Anyhow, who doesn’t love fruit & Vegetables ?

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 9:28 am

      EVA!!! Congratulations – that is a most admirable accomplishment! So happy that you’ve chosen to adopt a healthy diet – and in the bargain, have experienced a welcome side effect! Proud of you!

  7. amanda faith

    March 7, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    I need to start cutting up fruit in advance. It’s such an easy snack, and prevents us from eating other random junk.

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:03 am

      Exactly. It’s better to pair apple slices with a bit of caramel dip that eat a chocolate bar filled with caramel!

  8. Cindy

    March 7, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    Great tips. Will definately be trying this out

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:03 am

      Thanks Cindy!

  9. travelbuds

    March 7, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Lately I’ve been good and making a nice big bowl of fruit salad, just enough for a few servings and I’m loving it. I plan on continuing this. I eat way more fruit this way.

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:04 am

      Great plan, travelbuds. Keeping the servings on the smaller side ensures that your salad stays fresh and delicious!

  10. Lisa H

    March 7, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Oh fine! You guilted me into putting away the chocolate covered almonds I was munching on and I went and grabbed an apple. That’s the best I can do right now, okay? :P

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:05 am

      Hahaha Lisa that is a MIGHTY effort – I don’t know if I’d be able to put down the chocolate covered almonds myself!

  11. Jo-Anne Pfoh

    March 7, 2013 at 3:58 pm

    I will admit it, I purchased a pre-cut just last week. All those yummy pieces and no work. After reading your post I want to hang my lazy head and hide. What a great post and you have made a believer out of me. I am adding the fruits we really like and following your suggestions. Thanks

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:05 am

      Thanks Jo-Anne! No shame in buying pre-cut – just as long as it’s not the ONLY fruit you buy!

  12. Tarasview

    March 7, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    mmmmm I love fresh cut fruit! My daughter eats it all the time so I tend to get it for her and then munch on it myself. I admit we are less likely to have fresh fruit in the winter though- it is just so expensive up north here!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:08 am

      Love that your daughter is so into fruit – it’s great to see kiddos who will reach for cherries over chocolate!

  13. Sydney D

    March 7, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    I like the thought of pre-cut, but I am too cheap. LOL

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:31 am

      That’s a good way to be, especially when it comes to pre-cut!

  14. DebH

    March 7, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    I know I would eat more fruit if it was pre-cut and ready to eat but cannot justify paying the price for the pre-cut stuff!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Good for you! BUT, you still need to eat fruit, Deb!

  15. Soozle

    March 7, 2013 at 6:37 pm

    Great tips! I very much agree I am a convience muncher of fruit (and veggies) – if it’s precut and ready to go, I am 10x more likely to reach for it.. Doing just that is something I know I need to get into a habit of doing..

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:37 am

      Great that you recognize that Suzie! There’s nothing more inviting than cut-up fruit and veggies!

  16. francine

    March 7, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    i was never drawn in by the fruit but the veggies were something i would invest in (baby carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower then the rest would go to waste.)

    for fruit i would eat things like strawberries and raspberries that i would wash and eat whole. or apples and oranges i would peal but no slicing.

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:42 am

      Interesting that you eat apples whole – I always have to slice mine!

  17. Laurie B

    March 7, 2013 at 10:39 pm

    Thanks for the great tip. I always end up throwing out the fruit salads we make fairly soon after because it goes bad. Makes complete sense that individually packing servings would make it last longer, and easier for the kids to grab when they want a snack.

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:44 am

      You’re welcome Laurie! That was trial and error for me too – I didn’t want the hassle of using separate containers, so I used one big bowl… alas, you really need to do individual servings.

  18. Carrie Butler

    March 7, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    A good tip is if you insist on buying freshcut fruit already, but at the store one day later for %50 off!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:45 am

      Great tip Carrie! Perfect for people who will be eating it right away!

  19. Anne Taylor

    March 7, 2013 at 10:49 pm

    I’ve never thought to store a large amount of fruit salad in individual containers! We love freshly cut fruit salad in our house and its always great to have around if you are feeling like something sweet yet guiltless in the fat/calorie catagory!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:48 am

      That’s the big trick, Anne! It keeps the fruit fresher and lasts longer!

  20. Nicole W.

    March 8, 2013 at 12:35 am

    Yummm! I LOVE fruit! Thanks for the awesome tips – I love taking fresh fruit in my lunch!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:48 am

      You’re welcome Nicole!

  21. Sophia

    March 8, 2013 at 2:24 am

    While I love eating fruit, I’m so lazy when it comes to cutting them up! I should really work on that!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:49 am

      Hahaha please do Sophia! It’s such a great way to save money AND get the vitamins you need!

  22. Marissa

    March 8, 2013 at 6:36 am

    I love fresh fruit and going forward, I will follow your suggestions and store the fruit salad in individual containers. Thanks for the tip!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:49 am

      You’re welcome Marissa!

  23. Holly

    March 8, 2013 at 8:04 am

    Great tips! Thank you!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:55 am

      Anytime Holly!

  24. Lee Pearson

    March 8, 2013 at 8:16 am

    This was a great post and it’s inspiring me to go get some fresh fruit. I laughed to myself when you spoke of your husband going out to get you fruit when you were pregnant. I was the same way but with strawberries only. I could not get enough strawberries when I was pregnant. Luckily it was the summertime so there were lots available. Thanks for the good tips!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:57 am

      You’re welcome Lee! I was a melon-fiend when I was pregnant; couldn’t get enough of honeydew, even though I haven’t had it since! Never had a summer pregnancy so my husband has his work cut out for him, haha!

  25. Tara Gauthier

    March 8, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Such a great idea to store it in single serve containers. Might encourage my husband to eat some fruit..maybe. He finds fruits and veggies a tough thing to incorporate, guess that comes from not eating them as a child. I craved fruit all the time while pregnant with my son too! Thanks for the great post.

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Anytime Tara! I’m sure you can tempt your husband with an assortment of colourful fruits in a small container :) If all else fails, include a dip!

  26. Tania Smith

    March 8, 2013 at 4:54 pm

    I admit it. I do spend the outrageous amount of money for the pre cut fruit. I am more likely to eat it if it’s already done for me. I stand there and grumble about the cost but I buy it. I am going to give it another go and slice my own. Thanks for the post and motivation Lena!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 12:56 pm

      You’re welcome Tania – I sincerely hope you can break the cycle of buying pre-cut fruit!

  27. Myra

    March 8, 2013 at 11:58 pm

    good tips but fruit doesn’t last more than 2 days in my house :)

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 12:56 pm

      You have a very healthy household, Myra!

  28. Tania B

    March 9, 2013 at 9:14 am

    I’m so guilty of falling for the grocery stores pre-cut fruit and veg! Argh! See, and I always figure that cutting it up is going to be SOOOO time consuming – d’oh! Thanks for these great tips!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      Anytime Tania! I won’t lie, it IS time consuming, but it’s definitely not SOOOO time consuming, ha!

  29. Alisha

    March 9, 2013 at 10:20 am

    I am also guilty of purchasing store bought cut fruit. I need to get into the habit of cutting it up at night for the next day so I’m not spending a ton on something I can make at home!

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      Exactly! It’s actually kind of therapeutic when you do it an night.

  30. Debbie Bashford

    March 12, 2013 at 8:01 am

    Well went grocery shopping and picked up lots o fruit and must say I am really enjoying it, it took no time at all to make up several containers and I can grab a peice anytime of the day now.

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      So happy to hear that Debbie!

  31. Mandy

    March 12, 2013 at 9:03 am

    My whole family loves fresh fruit! Especially bananas..we go through a ridiculous amount of bananas. During the winter I find the prices so high for certain fruits like berries so I have been buying the bags of frozen fruits. When they thaw they are not as firm as fresh fruit and are a bit mushy but not so much that they are unappetizing. They’re great for adding to cereal, oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt..pretty much anything you’d use with fresh..and they’re good to just thaw and eat as well! Thanks for the tips on storing fresh fruit!

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      Those are great tips Mandy, thanks so much for sharing!

  32. monica c.

    March 12, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    I too love fresh fruit, but lacked the know how of keeping it fresh.
    I have learned to adapt as I no longer wish to pay the high cost for instore prepare fruit. I have simply been cutting fresh berries, and fruit mixing and freezing it in portions. So far so good. Thank you for the most helpful tips, as these will be used too.

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      You’re very welcome Monica, happy to hear you enjoy fresh cut fruit!

  33. Melanie

    March 18, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    Good tips! Sometimes its easy to forget that the easiest + healthiest snacks are natural whole foods. Love! (Oh, and a little Cool Whip now and then is nice, too!)

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      :) You gotta have a little Cool Whip now and then!

  34. Becky

    March 18, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    I love eating fresh fruit but sadly I am the type who would rather spend the extra cash for my nice little bowl of already to eat fruit. I love your ideas about doing it a couple times a week then all you have to do is grab your container and eat. This would be a really good idea for something like carrots and celery as well.

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      I hope I’ve converted you Becky :)

  35. Undomesticgirl

    March 18, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    Never buy them but I always want to. I cut my own up.

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      I’m so glad you cut your own up! Good for you!

  36. Sabrina Pallotta

    March 19, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    I always have fresh cut fruit in the fridge so when my son wants a snack that is the only thing he can reach!

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:48 pm

      Great tactic – and way to feed your family healthy snacks!

  37. Heidi Lindsay

    March 24, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    Sounds just like me… fresh cut fruit looks so much more appealing when it is all done for you. every time i walk past that counter, i am tempted to put some in my cart. when i do buy the precut fruit everybody in the house eats it, including me (from time to time). the price is outrageous but if it means getting more fruit into loved ones, is it worth it?

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      I think it’s worth it – if that’s the only way you’ll eat it. But putting a little time to do it yourself is definitely worth it too!

  38. Cathy C

    March 30, 2013 at 7:07 am

    Lena if you spray cut apples and pears with a bit of lemon juice (or water & lemon jiuce mixture) and then put in ziploc bag removing as much air as possoble will not turn brown for at least a couple of hours. I do that with the kids lunch all the time. BTW Also works if freezing peaches.

    • Lena

      April 7, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Thanks so much for the tip Cathy! I will try that!

  39. amy lovell

    April 5, 2013 at 9:30 am

    great tip

  40. Judy C

    May 9, 2013 at 10:52 am

    I try not to buy the precut fruit or veggies because you do end up paying more for them. I try to take some time each weekend to do up some fruit and veggies for the week.

  41. Debbie WhiteBeattie

    January 14, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    I love fresh cut fruit but I would never pay all the extra money it costs for the grocery store to do it. Thanks for the tips especially about the apples.

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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