How Long Do Cranberries Last?

Cranberries have a short season during the holidays, so more likely than not, we end up buying them in bulk. But how long do cranberries last? Let’s find that out! 

Fresh cranberries have a short shelf life of 5 to 10 days if refrigerated. On the other hand, a packet of dried cranberries can last up to 18 months in the refrigerator and up to 12-24 months in the freezer. 

Red, shiny, and plump cranberries are native to North America. They are commonly consumed in the form of juice, sauce, or dried fruit and cooking and baking. 

But apart from the flavor, cranberries are known for their exceptional health benefits as they are a rich source of antioxidants.

If you end up storing a big batch of fresh cranberries during Thanksgiving and Christmas, proper storage can help extend their shelf life. Let’s find out how long cranberries last.

How Long Does Cranberry Last?

How long cranberries last depends on how you store fresh, dried, or frozen cranberries. Typically, fresh cranberries have a shelf life of 5 to 14 days and 9-12 months in the freezer. 

Whereas dried cranberries last for 18 months in the refrigerator and 12-24 months in the freezer. If you have purchased a frozen packet of cranberries from your supermarket, it can last up to 2-3 years in the freezer. 

However, it should be noted that store-bought dried or frozen cranberries come with a best-by date and storage instructions. One must follow these instructions to extend the shelf life of cranberries.

Let’s learn more about cranberries and how you can make them last longer.

Do Cranberries Go Bad Or Spoil Easily? 

Every food item comes with a shelf life, and so does cranberry. While fresh cranberries have a relatively long shelf life compared to many other fruits, they can go bad if not stored properly. 

Likewise, dried and frozen cranberries can also go bad if not stored properly or left unattended.

It’s important to check the health of your cranberries before eating or cooking with them to prevent sickness. If you notice any spoilage in your cranberries, they should be discarded immediately. But how do you do that? Continue reading to find the answer. 

How To Tell If Cranberries Have Gone Bad? 

If you wonder what signs can tell your cranberries have gone, you will find the answer here. Look out for these below-mentioned signs of spoilage whenever you are in doubt!

1. Mold or Discoloration: Whether fresh, dried, or frozen, if you notice any mold on the cranberries or if they appear to be oddly discolored, slimy, or bruised, it is a clear sign that your cranberries have gone bad.
2. Smell: One sniff can tell the condition of your cranberries. Cranberries have a mild tart and citrus smell. But if you notice a strong or unpleasant odor, this is another sign that they may have gone bad.
3. Texture: Fresh cranberries are firm and plump. If the cranberries feel soft or mushy to the touch, this may indicate that they have started to spoil. On the other hand, if your dried or frozen cranberries feel slimy or too hard, they have likely gone bad.
4. Taste: If all the above signs do not indicate spoilage, the taste is the ultimate test to help you determine so. If your cranberries taste too sour, bitter, or off, you should discard them.

How Long Are Cranberries Good After Expiration Date?

The shelf life of cranberries depends on various factors, such as how they are stored, whether they are fresh or dried, and the packaging they come in.

In the case of packaged cranberries, the expiration or best-by date is a good guideline to determine their shelf life, but it’s not always a strict indicator of when the cranberries will go bad.

Therefore, if you have an unopened packet of cranberries stored properly, they may still be good to eat for a few days or weeks after the best-by date. However, if the cranberries show any signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard them.

How To Store Cranberries?

Fresh, dried, and frozen cranberries require different storage methods. Let’s take a look at them.

Fresh Cranberries

1. Refrigerate: Fresh cranberries should be stored in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. To refrigerate fresh cranberries, store them in a plastic bag or an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in.
2. Keep them dry: Before storing the cranberries in the refrigerator, ensure they are completely dry. Moisture can speed up the process of spoilage. 
3. Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them: Washing fresh cranberries before storing them can decrease their shelf life by increasing the risk of spoilage. It’s washing them only when you’re ready to use them is best. 
4. Freeze them: Fresh cranberries can also be frozen to extend their shelf life. To freeze fresh cranberries, wash them thoroughly and allow them to dry. Spread the cranberries on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to a year.

Dried Cranberries

Dried cranberries have a longer shelf life than fresh cranberries and are easy to store. Here’s how you can store dried cranberries:

1. Store in an airtight container: Dried cranberries should be stored in an airtight container or bag to prevent exposure to air and moisture. This will keep them fresh for longer.
2. Store in a cool, dry place: Dried cranberries should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Thus, a pantry, cupboard, or refrigerator is a good place to store dried cranberries.
3. Freeze them: Dried cranberries can also be stored in a freezer. You must transfer them to an airtight container or resealable freezer-safe plastic bag and place them in the freezer. Dried cranberries can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.

Frozen Cranberries

Frozen cranberries are a great option if you are looking at a long time storage for cranberries. Here are some tips on how to store frozen cranberries:

1. Store in an airtight container: Frozen cranberries should be stored in an airtight container or airtight freezer-safe bag to prevent exposure to moisture and freezer burn. 
2. Date the container: Before storing a fresh packet of dried cranberries, label the container or freezer bag with the date you put them in the freezer. This will help you keep track of how long the cranberries have been in the freezer.
3. Keep them frozen until required: Frozen cranberries should be stored in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. A regular change in their temperature can spoil them in time.
4. Thaw before using: To use frozen cranberries, thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. While you leave them to thaw, take out only the amount required. 

Tips To Extend The Shelf Life Of Cranberries

Cranberries are a great addition to your meals. They not only taste good but bring along lots of health benefits. Thus, increasing its shelf life makes all the sense. Check out some tips to increase the shelf life of cranberries.

Cranberries are a great addition to your meals. They not only taste good but bring along lots of health benefits. Thus, increasing its shelf life makes all the sense. Check out some tips to increase the shelf life of cranberries.

1. When buying cranberries, choose deep red colored cranberries that are firm and plump. Avoid cranberries that are soft, mushy, or discolored.
2. Fresh cranberries should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. However, before refrigerating them, store them in an airtight container to prevent exposure to moisture. 
3. Avoid washing cranberries before storing them, as it can increase the likelihood of spoilage. Wash them only when you’re ready to use them.
4. If you have more cranberries than required, freeze them. Frozen cranberries can be frozen for up to a year or more.
5. Dried cranberries should be stored in an airtight container, kept in a cool and moisture-free place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Conclusion

Cranberries are a superfood to add to your diet. They can be enjoyed in fresh, dried, or frozen form. However, the shelf life of fresh, dried, or frozen cranberries varies significantly.

By following the storage guidelines, you can extend the shelf life of cranberries. For more information regarding cranberries, please drop your questions in the comments section below.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)