Abstract: A method and composition for osmotically dewatering a freshly cut fruit product and optionally infusing the fruit product to improve or alter the sensory characteristic of the fruit, particularly when the fruit is a pome fruit variety, such as an apple or pear. The dewatering composition can be used by the consumer or food service person to prepare ready to eat fresh-cut fruit slices that exhibit improved or unexpected sensory characteristics comprising a mixture of xylitol, dextrose, natural or organic flavoring agent and optionally, citric acid, ascorbic acid, or enzyme, and optionally infusing the fresh-cut fruit by treating the fruit with the dewatering composition directly applied to the cut surface, or by dipping the cut surface into the composition.