All About Cherries
Your complete guide to cherries - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Cherries Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for cherries in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
in the refrigerator (unwashed)5-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Soft, wrinkled, or bruised skin; sticky or wet surface; discoloration (darker or duller); visible mold (fuzzy white, green, or black spots); fermented, sour, or 'off' smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect the entire batch for mold, shriveling, or any sticky residue. Gently pick up and feel the cherries – they should be firm and plump. Discard any that are overly soft, mushy, or bruised. Smell the cherries; a clean, sweet aroma is good, while a sour, alcoholic, or unpleasant smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Do NOT wash cherries until just before you are ready to eat them. Excess moisture encourages mold growth and spoilage. Store them unwashed in their original packaging or in a breathable bag (like a perforated plastic bag or a paper bag) in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Keeping the stems on can also help prolong freshness.
in the freezer (washed and pitted)8-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, leathery, discolored spots); excessive ice crystals not just surface frost; off-flavors or loss of flavor (though still safe to eat); mushy texture after thawing (this is common but indicates quality degradation).
How to Check
Visually inspect for severe freezer burn or large, excessive ice crystals. While still safe to eat, quality will be compromised. A taste test after thawing can confirm if the flavor and texture are still acceptable for your intended use.
Storage Tips
For best results, wash cherries thoroughly, remove stems, and pit them before freezing. Pat them completely dry to prevent ice buildup. Flash freeze by spreading a single layer on a baking sheet until solid (2-4 hours), then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. This prevents them from clumping together and makes it easier to use only what you need. Label with the date of freezing.
at room temperature (short-term)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Dull, shriveled appearance; soft spots or mushy texture; sticky residue; sour or fermented smell; visible mold (white, green, or fuzzy spots).
How to Check
Visually inspect for any signs of mold, shriveling, or discoloration. Gently touch to check for firmness – overly soft or mushy cherries are going bad. Smell for any off-odors, especially a sour or alcoholic scent.
Storage Tips
Cherries are best stored in the refrigerator. Room temperature storage should only be for a very short period, ideally if consumed within a day of purchase, especially in warm climates, as it significantly accelerates spoilage.