Cranberries are tart berries native to North America. They contain high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, and they’re also rich in fiber. The fresh fruit is often eaten raw or added to baked goods, salads, and beverages.
In this article, we will look at how long you can store cranberries, what happens when they go bad, and how to tell if your cranberries have gone bad.
What is the shelf life of cranberries?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions.
Fresh cranberries
Fresh cranberries should be stored in a cool place with low humidity. For maximum shelf life, store cranberries in the fridge or freezer in a plastic bag or airtight container.
How long do fresh cranberries last?
- Room temperature: 3 to 4 days
- Refrigerator: 3 to 6 weeks
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
When stored in the refrigerator, cranberries can keep up to three to six weeks. At room temperature, they will last about 4 days.
Fresh cranberries last the longest when refrigerated or frozen (10 to 12 months). They are best eaten within a few days of being picked and should be used as soon as possible after purchase.
How long do cranberries keep in the fridge?
If stored in the right conditions, cranberries will generally keep for 3 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze cranberries?
Yes. Put them in the freezer in their original plastic packaging or, if the cranberries were purchased in bulk, place them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
How long do cranberries keep in the freezer?
If stored properly, cranberries will maintain optimum quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer, but remain safe to eat beyond that time.
How do you know if cranberries are stale?
Cranberries that spoil usually become soft and deteriorate in color. Discard the cranberries if mold appears or if they smell or look unusual.
Dried cranberries
If you’re planning on using dried cranberries in baking or cooking, it’s best to buy them from a reputable source. They are available at most grocery stores and online retailers. You can also find them at some specialty food shops. Dried cranberries have a much higher sugar content than fresh ones, so they will add more sweetness to your baked goods.
What is the shelf life of dried cranberries?
- Room temperature: 6 to 12 months
- Refrigerator: 6 to 12 months
- Freezer: 12 to 18 months (best quality)
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Store dried cranberries in a cool, dry place.
If you want to keep dried cranberries fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container or sturdy plastic bag away from sunlight.
Read: How to store cranberries
Also read: Everything you need to know about cranberries
How long do dried cranberries keep at room temperature?
Stored in the right conditions, dried cranberries will keep for about 6 to 12 months at room temperature (about 20°C).
Should you put dried cranberries in the fridge?
In a warm and humid environment, dried cranberries should be stored in the refrigerator.
How long do dried cranberries keep in the fridge?
Dried cranberries will keep for about 6 to 12 months in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze dried cranberries?
Yes. Freeze dried cranberries in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
How long do dried cranberries keep in the freezer?
Dried cranberries can be stored in the freezer for up to 18 months. However, they remain safe to eat after this time.
How do you know if dried cranberries are stale?
The best way is to smell and examine the dried cranberries. Throw them out if they smell or look unusual, or if mold appears.
Frozen cranberries
Another way to preserve cranberries is to freeze them. Freezing softens the skins and allows the berry to be juiced in a home juicer without loss of health benefits. Frozen cranberries can be kept indefinitely in the freezer.
To make sure you get the freshest berries, choose only those with bright red skin and firm flesh. Avoid any that show signs of mold or discoloration. If you plan to use frozen cranberries in baking or other recipes, thaw them completely before adding them to dishes.
You can freeze cranberries in their original package or transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. To prevent freezer burn, leave no more than 1/2 inch headspace between the top of the bag and the surface of the fruit. Seal the bag tightly and label it with the date.
Are frozen cranberries as good as fresh cranberries?
Yes, they are. Frozen cranberries can be used in the same way as fresh ones. They have a longer shelf life and will keep for much longer than fresh cranberries.
If you want to use them in baking or cooking, it is best to thaw them first. If you don’t, then you may end up with some of your cranberry sauce turning into mushy clumps.
How do I freeze cranberries?
You can freeze them whole and then puree them when you want to use them. If you freeze them whole, you’ll need to wash and pat them dry before freezing.
Read this post on how to freeze cranberries
What do I do with frozen cranberries?
Cranberry sauce is a great way to use up those extra cranberries that you have in the freezer. Simply thaw them out and add them to your favorite recipe. You can also make this into a pie filling by adding some flour, sugar, and spices. Just be sure to cook it for at least 15 minutes before serving so that it doesn’t get too thick.
You can also make your cranberry juice using the instructions below:
- Defrost 2 cups of berries and run through a juicer.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the juicer at the end to flush out the last of the juice. This will yield 10 ounces of very strong and very sour juice.
- Add an equal amount of other liquid and sweetener to make the juice to your desire. Organic apple juice is easily available. White grape juice makes for the best-tasting combination. Experiment with what you like.
Yield: 20 oz.
