Cranberries are a popular seasonal fruit that are often associated with Thanksgiving and the holidays. Many people buy fresh cranberries to use in recipes or to serve as a relish. While fresh cranberries are typically stored in the refrigerator, some may wonder if they actually need to be refrigerated or if they can be safely kept at room temperature. Here is a look at what the experts say about storing fresh cranberries.
Do cranberries require refrigeration?
Yes, fresh cranberries do require refrigeration for both food safety and for best quality. Unlike some other fruits, cranberries do not ripen further once they are harvested. Refrigeration is necessary to slow down spoilage and extend their shelf life.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), fresh cranberries should always be refrigerated. The USDA recommends storing fresh cranberries in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. When stored properly under refrigeration, fresh cranberries can typically last for several weeks.
Why refrigerate fresh cranberries?
There are a few key reasons why fresh cranberries need to be stored in the refrigerator:
- Slows spoilage – Refrigeration helps slow the growth of spoilage microorganisms like molds.
- Maintains texture – Cold temperatures help keep cranberries crisp and delay softening.
- Retains moisture – Refrigeration prevents cranberries from losing moisture and becoming shriveled.
- Inhibits mold growth – The cold restricts mold growth, which can quickly ruin fresh cranberries.
The optimal storage temperature for fresh cranberries is between 32-35°F. Storing them at the proper refrigerator temperature helps maximize their shelf life and quality.
Can you leave cranberries out of the fridge?
It is not recommended to leave fresh cranberries out at room temperature. Cranberries left out on the counter will deteriorate and spoil much faster than if refrigerated.
According to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, fresh cranberries can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days. However, keeping them out for even that short time can hasten their decline in quality.
Signs that cranberries have been left out too long include:
- Soft, mushy texture
- Wrinkled, shriveled skin
- Moldy spots
- Off odors
For food safety purposes, it is not recommended to eat fresh cranberries that have been left unrefrigerated for more than a day or two.
Storing and using refrigerated cranberries
Follow these tips for storing fresh cranberries after opening the package:
- Inspect cranberries and discard any damaged, moldy, or mushy berries
- Place healthy berries in a perforated plastic bag, removing as much air as possible
- Store the bag of cranberries in the refrigerator crisper drawer set at 32-35°F
- Wash cranberries just before use
- Use refrigerated cranberries within 2-3 weeks for best quality
Properly stored fresh cranberries can be used for cooked dishes, baking, salads, relishes, and more. Discard any cranberries that become moldy or soft while refrigerated.
Cranberries can also be frozen for much longer storage. Fresh cranberries can be frozen in an airtight plastic freezer bag for up to 12 months.
Can dried cranberries be stored at room temperature?
Unlike fresh cranberries, dried cranberries are shelf stable and do not require refrigeration. According to Ocean Spray, unopened packages of dried cranberries can be kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Once opened, dried cranberries should be kept in an airtight container. Properly stored, dried cranberries can last for up to 9 months at room temperature.
Storing dried cranberries in the refrigerator or freezer can extend their shelf life even longer, to up to 1-2 years. However, refrigeration is not required for food safety with properly dried cranberries.
Can cranberry sauce be left out?
Homemade cranberry sauce contains fresh cranberries, which raises the question of whether cranberry sauce needs to be refrigerated after opening. According to the USDA, cranberry sauce is perishable and should be stored in the refrigerator. An open cranberry sauce will typically keep for about 1 week in the fridge.
For longer term storage, cranberry sauce can be frozen. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline.
As with other cooked fruit products containing fresh produce, cranberry sauce should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours after preparation. To limit bacteria growth, leftovers should promptly be refrigerated or frozen.
Signs your cranberries have spoiled
Cranberries, whether fresh, dried, or in sauce form, can spoil if stored incorrectly. Here are some signs that your cranberries have spoiled and should be discarded:
- Moldy berries
- Shriveled, wrinkled appearance
- Soft or mushy texture
- Off odors
- Sour flavor
- Excessive moisture in the packaging
Discard any cranberries or cranberry products that display these signs of spoilage. When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Conclusion
Proper storage is important for ensuring fresh cranberries and cranberry products stay fresh and safe to eat. Fresh cranberries should always be refrigerated for food safety and to maximize their shelf life. Dried cranberries and unopened cranberry sauce can be safely stored at cool room temperature. But once opened, cranberry sauce should be promptly refrigerated and used within 1 week. Refrigerating fresh and prepared cranberry products is the best way to enjoy their optimum quality and flavor.