All About Raspberries
Your complete guide to raspberries - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Raspberries Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for raspberries 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 in Refrigerator (Unwashed)1-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Soft, mushy texture; darkening or dull color; visible white, gray, or fuzzy mold spots; leaking juice; sour, fermented, or musty smell.
How to Check
Visual: Look for any signs of mold, shriveling, or discoloration. Touch: Gently feel for excessive softness, sliminess, or stickiness. Smell: Sniff for any off-odors like sourness, fermentation, or mildew.
Storage Tips
Do not wash raspberries until just before you intend to eat or use them, as excess moisture accelerates spoilage. Store them in their original clamshell container, or if transferring, use a shallow, breathable container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Avoid airtight containers, which trap humidity. Remove any spoiled berries immediately to prevent mold from spreading to others.
Frozen6-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, shriveled areas, dull color, excessive ice crystals not related to initial freezing); off-flavors or stale taste after thawing; extreme mushiness or complete disintegration after thawing (beyond typical thawed fruit texture).
How to Check
Visual: Check for extensive freezer burn or a significant loss of vibrant color. After thawing, inspect for any unusual discoloration. Taste/Smell: While safe indefinitely if properly frozen, a noticeable decline in flavor or a stale smell after thawing indicates a loss of quality.
Storage Tips
Wash and dry raspberries thoroughly before freezing. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents clumping). Once frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. Freezing them individually first makes it easier to use only the amount you need.