Step 1: Recall the characteristic properties of acids
Acids are substances that donate protons (\( \text{H}^+ \)) and have the following characteristic properties:
- They turn blue litmus paper red.
- They have a sour taste.
- They react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
Answer: Therefore, the characteristic property of acids is that they turn blue litmus paper red. So, the correct answer is option (1).