How to Cut Fruit for a Fruit Platter

Fruit plates are a healthy choice for any event.

Fruit platters can be a fresh, healthy contribution to a meal, party or picnic. Fruit is high in antioxidants, vitamins and fiber and is low in calories. To create a fruit platter, choose ripe, colorful fruit from your local grocery store, farmer's market or fruit stand. Choose fruits in a variety of colors. Try to choose fruits that can be exposed to air without browning easily, such as berries, pineapple and oranges. Cut the fruit in bite-sized pieces to make it easier for people to serve and eat with their fingers or utensils.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Water
• Paper towel
• Platter

Instructions

1. Use a sharp knife to cut fruit into pieces that are roughly the same size. Aim for pieces that are about 1 to 2 inches in size. If fruit is on a rind, cut off the rind and dispose, then cut the fruit into pieces.

2. Cut grapes, cherries, blueberries and other small, round fruit in half to reduce the risk of a choking hazard.

3. Cut peaches, apricots and plums in half, remove the pit and then quarter the fruit.

4. Peel kiwi and then quarter it, as many people do not care for the taste and texture of the rough exterior.

5. Buy pineapple that is already peeled, washed and quartered. Otherwise, use a sharp knife in a downward motion to cut the exterior off of the fruit. Halve and then quarter the fruit to remove it from the core before cutting into smaller pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Select fruits that offer a wide variety of taste and texture. Good fruits for a platter include melon, kiwi, berries, grapes, watermelon, oranges and cherries. Pick fruit that is ripe as you will be serving it immediately and it will not have any additional time to ripen before use. Wash the fruit and blot dry with a clean paper towel. Note that berries spoil quickly when exposed to water, so you will want to serve the platter that same day if possible. Place the fruit on the platter after cutting and drizzle lightly with lemon juice to prevent any browning.

References

• Diabetes Daily: How to Make a Fresh Fruit Platter
• The Food Network: Fresh Fruit Platter