Are you looking forward to enjoying some fresh lingonberry jam during the holidays? If so, then you should know exactly how long these berries last before they start going bad. With proper storage, lingonberries can last for months, or even years. In this blog post, we’ll explore the shelf life of these berries and share a few tips on how to store them properly.
Lingonberries: What are they?
The lingonberry, a member of the blueberry and cranberry plant family (Ericaceae), is a low-growing, perennial semievergenous woody shrub with relatively small, tart, red berries that are popular in Scandinavian cuisine.
This plant is native to Arctic and Subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Canadian Pacific Northwest and Northeastern Canada, the United States (Alaska, Washington, and Oregon), Greenland, northern parts of Europe, and Scandinavia. It can also be seen in the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe and Asia.
There are two types of lingonberry: the wild or American lingonberry, and its cultivated cousin the European lingonberry.
Read this post to learn more about Lingonberries.
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How long do lingonberries last?
What many people don’t know is that lingonberries have a surprisingly long shelf life. This is due to their high benzoic acid content, which helps preserve them from spoilage.
Let’s take a look at the average shelf life of fresh and dried lingoberry fruits.
Fresh lingonberries
- Refrigerator: 3 to 6 weeks
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months
What is the shelf life of lingonberries?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions.
Fresh lingonberries will keep for up to six weeks if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, when stored in the freezer, lingonberries can remain good for up to one year.
For maximum shelf life, store lingonberries in the refrigerator or freezer. To do this, place the frozen lingonberries into a Ziploc bag or airtight container and seal it tightly. Then, place them into the freezer. This process will help retain more moisture inside the package, thus extending the shelf life of your fruit.
How long do lingonberries keep in the fridge?
If stored in the right conditions, lingonberries will generally keep for 3 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze fresh lingonberries?
Yes. lingonberries can be frozen for up to 12 months, but they will lose their flavor if frozen longer than that. To do this, place them in the freezer in the original plastic wrap. For bulk purchases, put them in airtight or heavy-duty freezer bags.
You may freeze the juice from the berries as well. Simply pour the juice into ice cube trays and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a resealable freezer bag. Lingonberry juice freezes very quickly, so make sure to use it within three months.
When thawed, lingonberry juice tastes like water. You can add sugar to the juice to sweeten it up.
How long do lingonberries keep in the freezer?
If stored properly, lingonberries can be kept for up to one year in the freezer. However, they remain good for consumption even after this time.
How do you know if lingonberries are expired?
Lingonberries that spoil usually become limp and their color deteriorates. Discard the lingonberries if mold appears or if they have an unusual odor or appearance.
Dried lingonberries
- Room temperature: 6 to 12 months
- Refrigerator: 6 to 12 months
- Freezer: 12 to 18 months (best quality)
How long do dried lingonberries keep?
Depending on the storage conditions, the exact answer to this question may vary. When stored at room temperature, lingonberries will stay good for about six months. If stored in the refrigerator, they will keep for up to 12 months. Dried lingonberries can be stored in the freezer for up to two years.
Dried lingonberries should be stored in a cool dry location away from direct sunlight. They will not keep indefinitely, but they can be stored for several years.
To maximize the shelf life of dried lingonberries after opening the package, store them in an airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag.
How long can dried lingonberries keep at room temperature?
Stored in the right conditions, dried cranberries can be stored for about 6 to 12 months at room temperature (about 20°C).
Should dried lingonberries be put in the refrigerator?
In a warm and humid environment, dried lingonberries should be stored in the refrigerator.
How long do dried lingonberries keep in the fridge?
Lingonberries will keep for 6 to 12 months in your refrigerator.
Can you freeze dried cranberries?
Yes. Freeze-dried lingonberries in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
How long do dried lingonberries keep in the freezer?
Dried lingonberries can be stored in the freezer for up to 18 months. They remain suitable for consumption after this time.
How do you know if dried lingonberries are expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the dried lingonberries. Throw them out if they smell or look unusual, or if mold appears.
How do you store lingonberries?
Lingonberries contain high levels of benzoic acid, which helps provide for long refrigerated shelf life. Here are some tips on how to store lingonberries:
- Store in the refrigerator (refrigerator is best). Lingonberries will keep fresh and firm up for about two weeks if stored properly. If you have any leftovers after that time, they can be frozen or dried.
- Freezing lingonberries is another great way to preserve them. Just be careful not to freeze them too much, though. Overfreeze them and they’ll turn mushy.
- Rinse them under cold water before storing them. This removes excess sugar on the skin, which can cause them to ferment.
- Keep them in a closed container. Air exposure causes them to lose moisture, making them soggy and soft.
FAQs
Is lingonberry the same as cranberry?
Lingonberries are similar to Cranberries but not quite as sour. The taste is slightly sweeter than cranberries. Many people think of lingonberries when thinking of cranberries. But many other types of berries also go by the name “cranberries”.
Lingonberries make great jams, jellies, juices, sauces, wines, and liqueurs.
Is it safe to eat expired Lingonberries?
It depends on what kind of Lingonberries you’re talking about. Lingonberries can last for a very long time if kept properly. However, once they start to get old, their flavor starts to deteriorate. So, don’t buy Lingonberries that are past their expiry date.
