How to Store Tart Cherries for Maximum Freshness
Updated: 02/24/2025: Fresh cherries are a delightful treat, whether you pick them straight from a tree, grab them at the farmers market, or buy them from your local grocery store. However, they are also highly perishable, and improper storage can lead to spoilage within just a few days. Many customers have reached out, asking how to store fresh cherries effectively to extend their shelf life while preserving their taste and nutritional value.
These fresh cherries can also be used to make cherry juice and no-added sugar dried cherries.
A number of our customers have contacted up recently and asked how to store fresh tart cherries. So we put together these comprehensive tips to help you store cherries properly and make the most of this delicious fruit.
If you love fresh cherries or want to use them for making cherry juice or no-added-sugar dried cherries, this guide will help you store them properly. Follow these expert storage tips to keep your cherries fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Facts at a Glance
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Fresh cherries last about a week when stored properly in the refrigerator.
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Avoid washing cherries until you're ready to eat them to prevent mold growth.
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Freezing cherries allows them to stay fresh for up to a year.
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Keeping cherries at room temperature significantly shortens their lifespan.
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Cherries can be incorporated into various recipes, from smoothies to baked goods.
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Top 5 Hacks for Storing Fresh Cherries
#1: Handle with Care and Avoid Washing Too Early
Cherries are delicate fruits that bruise easily, leading to faster spoilage. When bringing them home, resist the urge to wash them immediately. Extra moisture can encourage mold growth and shorten their shelf life. Instead, store cherries dry and wash them only right before consumption or use in cherry recipes.
Pro Tip: Keep the stems intact until you're ready to eat them—removing them too early can accelerate decay.
#2: Store Cherries in a Single Layer
Overcrowding cherries can cause bruising, which speeds up spoilage. To prevent damage:
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Place unwashed cherries loosely in a plastic bag or a shallow container.
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Line the container with parchment paper or a paper towel.
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Store them in a single layer and cover them lightly with plastic wrap.
This simple step ensures they stay fresh longer and reduces unnecessary pressure on the delicate fruit.
#3: Refrigerate Immediately
Cherries thrive in cooler temperatures. To maximize their freshness, store cherries in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the crisper drawer). Proper refrigeration extends their shelf life to about a week.
Pro Tip: Check cherries regularly and remove any that show signs of spoilage to prevent the rest from going bad faster.
#4: Freeze Cherries for Long-Term Use
If you want to enjoy cherries year-round, freezing is your best option. Here’s how to freeze them properly:
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Rinse cherries in cold water and pat them dry.
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Remove stems and optionally pit them.
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Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Freeze overnight to prevent clumping.
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Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Frozen cherries can be stored for up to a year without losing their flavor or nutritional value. They’re perfect for smoothies, baking, or any other cherry recipes you’d like to try.
#5: Keep Cherries Away from Room Temperature
Fresh cherries are highly perishable and should not be left at room temperature for long. If you need to store them temporarily, a few hours at room temperature is fine, but always refrigerate them as soon as possible to preserve freshness.
Bonus Hack: Don’t be alarmed if some cherry juice leaks when freezing or storing—it’s a natural occurrence and doesn’t mean the cherries are spoiled.
Preparing Cherries for Eating or Cooking
Most cherries from the grocery store, U-Pick Cherry Orchards in Michigan, or farmers market are best enjoyed raw. Simply wash them in cold water just before eating and serve with the stems intact. If you’re feeling creative, there are countless ways to incorporate cherries into your meals and desserts.
Pitting Cherries
For cooking or baking, you’ll likely need to remove the pits. A cherry pitter is a handy tool that simplifies this process, or you can pit cherries manually with a small knife. Removing the pits before cooking ensures a smoother texture in your dishes.
Poaching Cherries
Poached cherries make an excellent topping for desserts, pancakes, or yogurt. Here’s a simple way to do it:
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Combine 1 cup of liquid (water, wine, or juice) with 2 cups of cherries in a saucepan.
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Simmer for 1-3 minutes until the cherries soften.
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Use as a delicious topping or mix-in for your favorite dishes.
Baking with Cherries
Fresh or frozen cherries are a fantastic addition to pies, tarts, muffins, and cobblers. When using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand—just toss them into your recipe, and they’ll bake beautifully. The versatility of cherries makes them a staple ingredient for home bakers and chefs alike.
Easy Cherry Recipe: Cherry Smoothie
This quick and refreshing smoothie is a great way to enjoy fresh or frozen cherries.
Ingredients:
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1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
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1 banana
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1/2 cup Greek yogurt
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1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
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Ice cubes (if using fresh cherries)
Instructions:
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Add all ingredients to a blender.
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Blend until smooth.
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Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Storing cherries properly is the key to enjoying their sweet, juicy flavor for as long as possible. From keeping them cool in the fridge to freezing cherries for long-term use, following these tips ensures you’ll always have delicious cherries ready to eat or cook with. Whether you’re snacking on them fresh, adding them to a dish, or trying out new cherry recipes, these small steps can make a big difference in maintaining their quality and taste.
With proper care and storage, your cherries will remain a delightful treat no matter the season.
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