Eating fresh vegetables and fruits is an essential part of the summer menu that refreshes us on hot days. It also provides us with vitamins and minerals that keep our body healthy. That’s why one of the most popular appetizers and desserts at this time of year is fruit salad. But do you really know how to prepare it properly? It is not enough to cut a few fruits in a bowl, because in a few minutes some of them will turn brown. What to do then? Check out our tips below on how to make the perfect fruit salad!
How to make a fruit salad?
To prepare a fruit salad, the most important thing is to choose seasonal fruits. It will be even better if you opt for local production, because it tastes better. The reason is that the imported fruits are picked before they are ripe, which means they have not yet developed their maximum flavor and mineral content.
The second most important thing is to cut the fruit with a sharp knife. Fruit salad is not synonymous with fruit soup! Be careful not to crush the fruit when cutting. You can use different techniques, such as cutting the melon into balls, to create an original fruit salad.
Then prepare a vinaigrette to preserve the color and taste of the fruit. The simplest is a mixture of lemon juice and sugar. Pour it immediately after cutting the fruit.
Avoid these 5 important mistakes when making fruit salad!
Peel the fruit : If you use your own harvest, avoid peeling the fruit, because this is where the highest concentration of vitamins is found. It is also a mistake to peel juicy fruits that are too ripe, because they lose their shape and release a lot of water.
The sugar content : A small amount can sublimate the taste, but if you put too much, you will completely ruin it. Be careful not to add more than one teaspoon per serving.
Add herbs : Herbs are an amazing idea that will not only enhance the taste of the fruit salad, but also make it look fresher. So choose between mint, basil, tarragon and parsley, but never add them dry!
citrus fruits : Like it or not, they are essential to any fruit salad. A few drops of lemon, lime, orange or even pineapple can save the fruit from oxidation, which makes it look brown and spoiled.
To serve : put the fruit salad in a big bowl or a big plate, it means that everyone has to take a portion with a spoon. Thus, the fruits are crushed and release even more juice. For a fresh and beautiful fruit salad, prepare it in small individual cocktail glasses.
How to make a fruit salad in advance?
It is possible to prepare the fruit salad in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep it fresh and tasty even the next day, add a little sugar and lemon juice to the fruit mixture immediately after cutting them.
Another good trick is to mix fruit with Sprite or 7-Up. It’s actually a carbonated simple syrup that prevents the fruit from oxidizing.
An old method of preserving fruit from contact with ambient air is to cover it with cream or sour cream.
What fruits go well together?
If you’re wondering how to combine fruit to make an amazing dessert, try the following combinations, suggested by nutritionist Nathalie Rhone:
Cherry, pineapple, blueberry : these fruits are an excellent combination with anti-inflammatory properties.
Grapefruit, kiwi, strawberry : Combine them if you need to boost your immune system.
Fig, red grapes, pomegranate : These fruits protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
Goji berry, watermelon, lemon : it is an excellent fruit salad for detoxifying the body.
Blackberry, papaya, melon : This fruit salad can be included in a beauty routine, as it is full of antioxidants and beta-carotene.
Banana, avocado, apple : This combination will give you energy, especially before or after a training session.
Source: healthline.com