I’ve bought a pack of raspberries, and I’m not sure how long they’ll keep. How long do raspberries last when they’re out of the fridge?
You can always make a fresh berries of jam, but raspberries are also available frozen. Alternatively, you may store them in the freezer for up to three months. What’s the best way to refrigerator raspberries? Should they be refrigerated? Or perhaps you’re not sure if they should be kept in the fridge or not, depending on your circumstances.
How Long Do Raspberries Last?
Raspberries keep for only one to two hours on the counter or two to three days if refrigerated. If you need more time than that, freezing raspberries is your best bet. Raspberries mold and mush quickly, so you may only wait up to two [MF] or possibly three days from when you receive home with the box.
To ensure that your raspberries keep for two days rather than molding overnight, select the finest ones available.
Examine the top, bottom, and sides of the box for signs of moisture, mushy or discolored raspberries, or mold to verify that it hasn’t been tampered with. If either is discovered, select another package.
Tip:
Clamshell containers expose you to the entire situation within, so they give you the most control over what you’re buying. Even if there’s only one rotten (or spoiling) raspberry in the container, you may purchase it. Just make sure to get rid of the sample once you return home.
Raspberries Last for a few hours or so; eat them as soon after picking as possible.
How To Store Raspberries
In the fridge, keep raspberries in their original container. Don’t leave them in the rear of the refrigerator since it’s too chilly for them. Keep them in front of a shelf where you’ll see them all the time to guarantee you eat them before they go bad.
The container in which the berries are packaged is usually the best option. You should refrigerate raspberries if you’re not going to consume them within a few hours (OSU). When it comes to packaging, the container they arrive in is typically the finest option.
Tip:
If you have to pack your raspberries, use a shallow container or box with gaps for ventilation. A small container prevents the top layer of raspberries from suffocating those beneath it ( [MF, OSU]). Use a plastic bag and punch holes in it if you don’t have one.
Sort through the raspberries after you get home to discard any discolored, mushy, or moldy ones. This way, the rot won’t spread and most of the berries will be intact the next day.
Raspberries, like strawberries or blueberries, bruise easily and should therefore be handled with care. And berries that have been damaged today are almost always thrown away the next day.
Remember:
Raspberries should not be washed before being refrigerated. Any residual moisture on the fruit’s surface lowers its shelf life and raises the risk of moldy raspberries development. If you look for long enough, you’ll undoubtedly come across “tricks” like putting a wet paper towel over the berries or immersing them in a solution of vinegar and cold water to destroy spores.
I’m confident that those techniques work, but I’m also certain that few people have the time or desire to do so on a regular basis. What I advocate instead is for you to become excellent at the fundamentals:
- Purchase the greatest raspberries you can find.
- Examine them closely.
- Keep them breathing and chilled.
They’re designed to be used as soon as possible.
Can You Freeze Raspberries?
If you’re worried your raspberries will go rancid in your refrigerator, freezing them is an easy way to keep them fresh. The procedure is straightforward and requires little time, but it has a cost.
Raspberries that have been defrosted are not as firm as fresh ones, and this is a significant disadvantage for some applications (e.g., in a fruit salad or on yogurt). For others, such as baking or smoothies, the texture isn’t an issue, and thawed raspberries will do just fine.
How To Freeze Raspberries
To freeze raspberries, choose a baking sheet or a large tray and follow these steps:
- Wash and dry. Before eating, it’s critical to wash the berries because any debris or filth will have been removed. It’s a must-do before eating since washing fresh raspberries is significantly easier than mushy just-frozen ones. Drain them on paper towels and pat them dry once they’ve been washed. The less moisture there is on the berries, the better.
- Pre-freeze. Place the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, making sure they aren’t touching one another. Allow the berries to freeze solid by putting the tray in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. Use a silicone mat if you don’t want them to stick to the tray.
Freeze for the long term. Transfer the frozen raspberries to a freezer container or bag once they’re thoroughly frozen. Squeeze as much air out of a bag before sealing it if you choose that option. If you like, add a label with your name and the date to the container.
Tip:
Don’t forget that you can freeze raspberries to have them on-hand throughout the year. Also, when raspberries aren’t in season, it’s typically less expensive than purchasing pricey imports.
Finally, let’s speak about defrosting. You don’t have to thaw the raspberries for certain applications, such as baking or smoothies. You may just throw them in uncooked and they will taste great. However, if you need to defrost them, keep them in the refrigerator overnight in an airtight container. And expect your raspberries to be watery and soft in the morning.
How To Tell If Raspberries Are Bad?
Throw out raspberries that:
- Are moldy. If the fuzzy zone was rather large, consider discarding any nearby berries to be on the safe side.
- Are mushy or discolored. These aren’t necessarily rotten, but they don’t taste very good and usually grow mold in a day or two. Alternatively, you may eat them right away (please note that they must be rinsed!) so you won’t have to throw them away later.
- Smell off. If everything appears to be in order, but the berries have an odd odor, throw them away.