The method consists of selecting individual fruit or vegetables without bruises or broken skin, cleaning them with an air jet, washing them in sterile water and drying them at a temperature between 18° C. and 25° C. such that, once the fruit or vegetable is clean, it is inserted into a food-grade composite bath to obtain a protective covering consisting of a thin layer of continuous tangible material that protects both the skin and the stem and crown of the fruit or vegetable, the fruit thus being protected until consumption, without refrigeration and without rotting since the oxygen necessary for bacteria growth is absent. The fruit or vegetable can be consumed after removing the food-grade composite by cutting away said covering.