All About Cranberries
Your complete guide to cranberries - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Cranberries Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for cranberries 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.
Fresh Cranberries - Opened Bag in Fridge1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to unopened: soft, mushy berries; shriveling; visible mold; sour or fermented odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or discoloration. Gently squeeze berries for softness. Smell for off odors.
Storage Tips
Once opened, transfer cranberries to an airtight container or a new sealed bag to minimize air exposure and prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors. Ensure no excess moisture is present.
Fresh Cranberries - Freezer6-12 months (quality best for 6-9 months)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches); berries appear shriveled and dry even when frozen; off-odor upon thawing; extremely mushy texture after thawing, indicating cell damage.
How to Check
Visually inspect frozen berries for large ice crystals or widespread freezer burn. Upon thawing, check for unusual sliminess, extreme mushiness, or an off-putting smell. A slight softness after thawing is normal.
Storage Tips
Wash and thoroughly dry cranberries before freezing. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be used directly from frozen in most recipes.
Dried Cranberries - Unopened Package in Pantry6-12 months past 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Extreme hardening or clumping that cannot be broken apart; visible mold (rare, but possible if moisture gets in); strong chemical, rancid, or off-odor; significant discoloration (darker than usual).
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or unusual discoloration. Touch the cranberries to check for excessive hardness or moisture. Smell for any unpleasant or chemical odors.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, which can degrade quality. The 'best by' date is for peak quality, not safety; they often remain good much longer if stored correctly.
Fresh Cranberries - Unopened Bag in Fridge3-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Soft, mushy berries; shriveling; visible mold (white, green, or fuzzy patches); sour or fermented odor; leaks from the bag.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or significant discoloration. Gently squeeze berries to check for excessive softness or mushiness. Smell the cranberries for any off, sour, or yeasty odors.
Storage Tips
Do not wash fresh cranberries until just before you're ready to use them, as moisture can accelerate spoilage. Keep them in their original, breathable plastic bag.
Cooked Cranberries (e.g., Sauce) - Fridge7-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (white, green, or fuzzy patches) on the surface; sour, yeasty, or fermented smell; discoloration; slimy texture.
How to Check
Visually inspect the surface for any signs of mold. Smell for any off, sour, or alcoholic odors. If no visible mold or off-odor, a small taste test can confirm freshness, but discard if any doubt.
Storage Tips
Store in a clean, airtight container. Ensure the sauce cools completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and rapid bacterial growth.
Dried Cranberries - Opened Package in Pantry3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to unopened, but may occur faster: hardening, clumping, visible mold (if moisture enters), off-odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or unusual discoloration. Touch for hardness/clumping. Smell for off odors.
Storage Tips
Transfer to an airtight container or a tightly sealed bag to prevent them from drying out, absorbing moisture, or picking up other odors. This also helps maintain their soft texture.
Cooked Cranberries (e.g., Sauce) - Freezer2-3 months (quality best, safe longer)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, icy patches); changes in texture or flavor upon thawing; strong off-odor after thawing.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. Upon thawing, check for unusual separation, extreme mushiness, or an off-putting smell. Slight texture changes are normal after freezing and thawing.
Storage Tips
Store in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a small headspace for expansion. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.