Fruit Tray Tips

Fruit trays are an easy way to serve many people, and are ideal for many occasions. Weddings, birthdays, office parties and anniversaries are all situations in which a fruit tray may be served. Fresh fruit is not only colorful and appetizing, it offers a healthy snack option on the table. Arranging a fruit tray is easy and fun with a little planning and creative thinking. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Use a Variety of Fruits

When selecting fruit for the fruit tray, look for fruits that provide a wide variety of colors and textures. Avoid choosing too many fruits from one specific color family, and remember to select fruits that appeal to many different tastes.

Mix exotic fruits with more traditional favorites to create a fruit tray that is appealing to the eyes and a taste buds. Avoid using fruit that gets brown quickly when exposed to air, such as apple and bananas.

Pay Attention to Fruit Quality

Donna Hager at What's Cooking America advises that you look for local and seasonal fruit options for the best available quality. Fruits that are in season are more likely to be ripe. Consider the time frame in which the fruit will be served, and choose fruit that will be ripe on the day the fruit tray is served.

Use the Right Fruit Tray Platter

Choosing the right platter is essential to creating a beautiful fruit tray. According to Maxine from the Chew On This food blog, the platter should have a raised edge or lip in addition to ample space for the quantity of fruit to be served. Fruit juices tend to collect as a fruit tray sits at room temperature. A raised edge keeps excess fruit juice from spilling.

Consider Alternative Fruit Tray Displays

While most fruit trays are assembled on a tray for serving, alternative fruit tray displays can be attractive. Hollow out a pineapple to use as an attractive serving dish for fruit dip; carve a watermelon in the shape of a basket and use it in lieu of a traditional fruit tray.

Prepare the Fruit with Guests in Mind

When slicing or preparing the fruit for the tray, cut pieces into sizes guests can handle. While large wedges of melon or rings of pineapple may be visually appealing, they require guests to cut or slice the fruit, which can be difficult in some settings.

Decorate the Fruit Tray

Adding decoration can enhance the overall appeal of the fruit tray. Use the inedible leaves of fruit to add color when garnishing a fruit tray. Fruit dips such as chocolate or caramel can also add decoration and flavor to the tray. Flowers and colorful toothpicks also add appeal to the tray.

Assembling a Beautiful Fruit Tray

Instead of merely slicing the fruit, choose different preparation techniques to add shape to the fruit tray. For example, use a melon baller to make spheres of cantaloupe and watermelon to add visual variety.

When placing fruit on the tray, use big sections of color to show off the natural beauty of the fruit. Keep similarly colored fruits on opposite sections of the tray.