The present invention discloses a preservative for fruits. The preservative comprises the following raw materials: water, citric acids, ferrous sulfate, phytic acid, vitamin C, potassium myristate, lignin, glutamic acid, calcium silicate, sepiolite, chitin, sodium carbonate, starch, activated carbon, silica gel, sucrose, sodium lactate, carboxymethyl chitosan, potassium chloride, tea polyphenols, honey, a traditional Chinese medicinal preservative extractant and a preservative slow release agent. The present invention also provides a preparation method of the preservative for the fruits. A prepared water-retaining agent for the fruits can form a layer of thin film on surfaces of the fruits, can realize micro-organism and oxidation preventing on surfaces of the fruits, can also seal pores of surface skins of the fruits, inhibits respiration of the fruits, reduces water content loss of the fruits, effectively delays quality of fruit fleshes and deterioration rates of flavors, and extends a storage period of the fruits.