A food product is coated within an aqueous solution. The solution includes: at least one edible acid； and at least one osmotic agent, and wherein after the solution reaches equilibrium with the food product, the resultant pH of the solution is between about 1 and 4 and in some embodiments subsequently adjusted to between 3.5 and 5.5. The food product thus prepared remains deliciously palatable and safely edible for prolonged periods without refrigeration.
