What is the shelf life of blackberries? Do blackberries go bad after they are picked? How long can you store blackberries in your fridge or freezer? You might be wondering these questions, especially if you are trying to buy them in bulk and save money.
In this article, I’ll discuss how long blackberries can last between the time you purchase them at the store (fresh, frozen, or dried) to when you finally decide it’s time to use them!
How long do fresh berries last?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions and degree of ripeness of the blackberries at the time of purchase or picking.
The type of blackberries you buy also affects their quality and shelf life. For example, dried blackberries have a longer shelf life than fresh ones because they don’t require refrigeration.
Let us look at the various types of blackberry that are available in stores and their shelf life:
Fresh blackberries
- Refrigerator: 2 to 3 days
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
What is the shelf life of fresh blackberries?
If you’re looking to preserve fresh blackberries, you can store them on the counter for two to three days. If you want to keep them in the fridge longer, they’ll last up to a week. The best way to store them is in an airtight container in the fridge.
How long do fresh blackberries keep at room temperature?
Fresh blackberries can be stored at room temperature only if eaten the same day, as they are highly perishable and do not ripen after being picked.
How long do fresh blackberries keep in the refrigerator?
Fresh blackberries will generally keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. To maximize their shelf life, do not wash them until they are ready to eat or use. Discard damaged or moldy blackberries before putting them in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze fresh blackberries?
Yes. Wash the blackberries thoroughly in cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once the blackberries are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag and return them to the freezer.
How long do fresh blackberries keep in the freezer?
If stored in the right conditions, fresh blackberries maintain optimum quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer but remain safe to eat beyond this period.
How do you know if blackberries are stale?
Blackberries that spoil usually become soft and deteriorate in color. Discard blackberries if mold appears or if they have an unusual smell or appearance.
Frozen blackberries
Freezer: 12 months (best quality)
What is the shelf life of frozen blackberries?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. You can freeze fresh or frozen blackberries for up to 12 months (best quality). Just place them in an airtight freezer bag and freeze. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
If stored in the right conditions, frozen blackberries will maintain optimum quality for the 12 months, but generally remain safe to eat after this time.
Are frozen blackberries safe to eat after the “best before” date on the package?
Yes, if stored correctly. Frozen blackberries are usually marked with a “best before” date, but this is not a “use by” date (use by date in Canada), but a manufacturer’s estimate of how long during which the frozen blackberries will remain of optimal quality.
How long do frozen blackberries stay safe to eat?
Frozen blackberries stored continuously in the freezer at -18°C can be stored indefinitely, provided they have been stored correctly and the packaging is not damaged.
How do you know if frozen blackberries are no longer good?
If any spots or discolorations have developed on frozen blackberries, freezer burn has occurred. This won’t make frozen blackberries unsafe to eat, but it will harm their texture and taste.
Dried blackberries
- Room temperature: 6 to 12 months
- Refrigerator: 1 to 2 years
- Freezer: indefinite
Dried blackberries are best stored in a cool, dry place. They will keep for 6 to 12 months if stored at room temperature or in the pantry. In the refrigerator, they can last up to 2 years. Freeze them and you’ll have them for an unlimited amount of time.
How to Store Blackberries
If you want to keep your blackberries fresh for days or even weeks longer than their shelf life without freezing them, here are some tips:
- Store dried blackberries in an airtight container away from heat sources such as sunlight or heat sources and moisture.
- For maximum shelf life, store fresh blackberries in the refrigerator.
- Frozen blackberries should stay in the freezer at all times.
- If you want to keep your blackberries fresher longer (for up to 4 weeks), try freezing them or drying them before putting them away.
