A fresh fruit preservative and method of using the preservative for fresh cut fruit that significantly extend the shelf life of fresh cut fruit are provided. The fresh fruit preservative preserves the texture, flavor, appearance, and color of the fresh fruit, particularly exposed surfaces of the fresh fruit that have been cut, in particular by reducing oxidation of the exposed cut surfaces of the fruit. The preservative includes the ingredients of ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, carbohydrate, citric acid, calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium bicarbonate, malic acid and a protein-based composition.
